Cilea: Adriana Lecouvreur

Opera 100

Here we write a 100-word précis of numerous opera plots. This is an ongoing and serendipitous series, the idea being to present the storyline in an instant.

Cilea: Adriana Lecouvreur

by: Alexander Campbell

Actress Adriana Lecouvreur loves Maurizio, giving him a posy of violets as a love-token. Maurizio meets the Princess of Bouillon, his former lover, passing her the posy to placate her suspicions. When Adriana interrupts them the Princess hides. The Prince arrives, and though jealous, Adriana helps her rival escape disgrace. The ladies recognise one another at a party, whereupon Adriana uses a dramatic recitation from Racine to insult the Princess publically. Backstage, a bouquet of faded violets is delivered. Believing Maurizio unfaithful Adriana kisses and discards them. Maurizio arrives. The reconciled couple discover the Princess has exacted her toxic revenge.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to content