Wolf-Ferrari Opera Doctor Cupid
Synopsis and Character Descriptions of Two-Act L'Amore Medico
Jan 13, 2008
L'Amore Medico (Doctor Cupid) is a 2-act charming opera which is full of comedy spirit. Composed by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari (January 12, 1876 – January 21, 1948), libretto is written by Enrico Golisciani in Italian, and based on "L'Amour Médecin" by Molière. It was first performed in Dresden, Dresden Opera, December 4, 1913.
Setting is near Paris, 17th century. It has set numbers with accompanied recitative, an Overture, and an Intermezzo before Act II. There are 15 scenes.
Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari learned music in his spare time, while following the wish of his painter father to attend the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome. He later went to Munich to study music and returned to Venice after two years. He spent much of his time managing the production of his own operas.
Cast of Characters
- Arnolfo, rich landowner (bass)
- Lucinda, Arnolfo's daughter (soprano)
- Lisetta, Lucinda's maid (soprano)
- Clitandro, a young Cavalier (tenor)
- Dr. Tomes (baritone)
- Dr. Desfonandres (baritone)
- Dr. Macroton (baritone)
- Dr. Bahis (tenor)
- Notary (baritone)
Plot Summary / Synopsis
Act I
The villa garden of Arnolfo
Arnoldo's daughter, Lucinda, longs for love and affection because her possessive father has kept her secluded from any possible suitors. He thinks her ailment is merely physical and will go away. He tries to cheer her up with gifts. Lisetta, Lucinda's maid, thinks she's lovesick, lonely, and needs a husband.
The young cavalier Clitandro loves Lucinda and serenades her. She loves him too, but does not know what to do. Lisetta draws a plan. Lisetta tells Arnoldo that Lucinda has become ill. Arnoldo sends for help and asks for the best doctors.
Act II
A spacious, beautiful salon in Arnolfo's house
Four doctors prescribe four different courses of treatment for Lucinda. Lisetta insults all of them, enough for them to leave and go away. The clever Lisetta then calls for Clitandro and disguises him as a doctor. She introduces him to Arnolfo. Clitandro brings Lucinda flowers.
Clitandro reports his diagnoses to Arnoldo, that she's having love-hallucinations and the only remedy is for her to have a mock marriage. He offers himself to be the bridegroom, proposing to "pretend" to marry her. Arnoldo, worried for his daughter, readily consents. Clitandro contacts a notary and a real marriage contract is drawn up and signed. Clitandro arranges a wedding celebration. An actual marriage takes place.
Operas by Wolf-Ferrari
- Le donne curiose 1903
- School for Fathers 1906
- I quarto rusteghi, comedy-opera 1906
- Susanna's Secret 1909
- The Jewels of the Madonna 1911
- Il campiello 1936
- Dama Boba 1939
Source:
The Da Capo Opera by Nicholas Ivor Martin, New York: Da Capo Press, 1997
Dictionary of Composers and Their Music by Eric Gilder, Sphere Reference (1987).
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