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The first staging of “Don Pasquale” in Bucharest took place in 1910 (before the foundation of the National Opera House in Bucharest as an institution, in 1921).
The second staging, directed by Jean Ranzescu, under the baton of conductor Constantin Bugeanu, took place in the season 1968-1969. The casting included famous artists: Constantin Gabor, Eduard Tumageanian, Lucian Marinescu, Valentin Teodorian, Elena Simionescu, a.s.o.
This staging was resumed during the 80’s and was performed until the 90’s.
Synopsis
Act I
Scene I
The scene takes place in Don Pasquale’s house. He confesses to his friend, Doctor Malatesta, about his intention to get married, so that his nephew, Ernesto, who wishes to marry the young and poor widow Norina, will not inherit him any more. The Doctor pretends to agree with Don Pasquale’s plan. He soon reverts with the proposal that Don Pasquale marry his presumable sister, Sofronia, whom he describes as an obedient, naïve girl, brought up in a convent. Don Pasquale is delighted with this proposal and is looking forward to meet her. He announces Ernesto about his near marriage, mentioning to the latter’s surprise that the Doctor agrees with his plan, as his intended wife is the Doctor’s sister. Don Pasquale also calls Ernesto’s attention upon the fact that, under the circumstances, he will have to leave the house, because it would be too small after he gets married. Ernesto feels betrayed by the Doctor, whom he has considered a friend and a supporter of his ideas, but whose present attitude he cannot understand. Grieved, thinking that he cannot marry Norina any more, he writes to her a farewell letter.
Scene II
The scene takes place in Norina’s room. She is reading Ernesto’s letter. Doctor Malatesta comes in, and she reads the letter to him. They plot to organize a fictitious marriage with Don Pasquale, in which Norina is going to play the role of Sofronia.
Act II
Ernesto laments over his grief and withdraws as soon as his uncle comes in. The latter prepares to meet his wife to be. Norina shows up, her face covered with a veil, accompanied by Malatesta. Her shy demeanor fills Don Pasquale with joy. The ceremony takes place before a so-called notary, who reads the marriage contract. Meanwhile Ernesto comes in, and the Doctor explains the situation to him, asking him not to interfere and ruin their plan. As soon as the contract is signed, Norina, whom Don Pasquale has donated half of his fortune, radically changes her attitude, becoming severe and caviling at him, to the latter’s disappointment and despair.
Act III
Scene I
Don Pasquale’s domestic life has become infernal. Norina is wicked, mercilessly wasting her husband’s money. When he tries to reprimand her, she slaps him in the face. Norina purposefully pretends to lose a note, making Don Pasquale find out that she intends to meet her lover in the garden, at night. Don Pasquale calls Malatesta, and the two of them decide to catch the two lovers in the act.
Scene II
The scene takes place in Don Pasquale’s garden. Ernesto meets Norina. Her husband, who is spying with Malatesta, catches them, but fails to find out who the running “lover” is. Deceived, the old man feels defeated. The Doctor suggests Don Pasquale to agree with Ernesto’s marriage to Norina, which would upset his newly wed. When Don Pasquale agrees, they reveal the practical joke to him. Fed up with his married life and realizing that a marriage with a much younger wife is absurd, he gladly accepts this proposal and blesses the two lovers.
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