Gaetano Donizetti's opera leaves audience in awe

Gaetano Donizetti's opera "The Elixir of Love" (L'elisir d'amore) has been showcased at Baku Music Academy's Opera Studio, Azernews reports.

"L'elisir d'amore" is a comic opera in two acts by Gaetano Donizetti with a libretto by Felice Romani, based on a French libretto by Eugène Scribe, based on Daniel Auber's "The Love Potion" (1831). The opera premiered under its original Italian title, "L'elisir d'amore," on May 12, 1832, at the Teatro della Cannobiana in Milan.

Donizetti later wrote two slightly revised versions. "L'elisir d'amore" is one of Donizetti's most popular and widely performed operas, blending humor with dramatic elements.

The opera tells the story of a simple, sincere young man, Nemorino, who falls in love with the beautiful and wayward Adina. To win her heart, Nemorino acquires a "magic love potion," which turns out to be ordinary wine. Comic misunderstandings, love, jealousy, and cunning—all intertwine in a lively and touching story full of music, humor, and human warmth.

The production was directed by Ukrainian director Mykola Tretyak and staged by Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Hafiz Guliyev.

The opera was presented in Baku by the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, under the artistic direction of People's Artist Fakhraddin Karimov.

The roles were performed by Honored Artist Farid Aliyev as Nemorino, and Aydan Guliyeva, who debuted as Adina, as well as Honored Artist Anton Fershtandt (Belcore), People's Artist Akram Poladov (Dulcamara) and soloist Nina Makarova (Giannetta).

The professional performance of the choir, directed by Honored Artist Sevil Hajiyeva, left the audience in awe.

The performance revealed the full grandeur and charm of the classical Italian operatic tradition, warmly received by the listeners.