TORONTO—Does an elixir of love exist? And if so, what are the ingredients? It’s a question that ill-starred lovers have been asking since time immemorial. And it is the potion that Nemorino, the main character in Gaetano Donizetti’s opera “The Elixir of Love,” gambles on to make the beautiful Adina fall for him.
“The Elixir of Love” premiered in 1832 in Milan, Italy, and has since become one of the most beloved operas of all time, famous for its light-hearted story and beautiful music. It is a jewel of the bel canto repertoire, a style of opera designed to bring out the beauty of the human voice. “Una furtiva lagrima” (“A furtive tear”), the opera’s most well-known aria, has also been a favourite of several tenors, including Luciano Pavarotti, who have showcased its appealing melody and heartfelt lyrics on many concert stages.
