Norma, Opera by V. Bellini
The Vienna State Opera presents a production of Norma, a two-act opera written by Vincenzo Bellini, an Italian composer who is noted for his flowing melodies. Norma was first performed at Teatro alla Scala in Milan on 26 December 1831, adapted from a stage play named Norma, ou L'infanticide by Alexandre Soumet, a French poet and playwright. Despite its French origins, Norma has an Italian-language libretto provided for Bellini by Felice Romani, a scholar and poet who was originally from Genoa.
Regarded by musicologists as a tragic lyric opera, Norma is set in first-century BC Gaul when a pagan community led by druids is coming to terms with occupying Roman forces. A priestess, Norma, is at the heart of the action. She attempts to quell feelings of anger and resentment among her fellow Gauls fearing the potential for an uprising against the Romans. She highlights the more peaceful traditions of her people, focussing on the moon and fertility rites. However, Norma has a secret: she has a relationship with a Roman proconsul named Pollione and has two children by him. Pollione goes on to cause a crisis for Norma which leads her to having to make up her mind about whether or not to commit to a path of bloodshed. Norma's decision will have consequences for her, her children and the wider community she serves.
The opening act lays bare Norma's dilemma. This act features one of the opera's most famous arias, Casta Diva, which is sung by a soprano in the title role. This particular section of music is among the most well-known of all so-called bel canto operas. That said, there are numerous examples of Bellini's compositional style throughout both acts of Norma. The composer manages to create rich contrasts in his music that not only bring forth the individual character traits of the opera's protagonists, but which also highlight their emotions. This feature of the music is at its most spellbinding in the second act when Norma considers the unthinkable for a time before deciding to take a more noble path as a way out of her quandary.
The Wiener Staatsoper is a remarkable opera company known for its many high-quality productions. The company's opera house in the Austrian capital is a superb venue to see a dramatic opera like Norma. Audience goers can expect exceptional musicianship and powerful performances at this opera which has been impressing music fans for almost two centuries.