I Puritani (the Puritans), an Italian bel canto opera, by Vincenzo Bellini: I Puritani plot summary, character list, and other Bellini opera information.
Vincenzo Bellini’s Italian, bel canto Opera I Puritani (The Puritans)
- Composed:1834-35
- First Performance:January 25, 1835; Théâtre des Italiens, Paris (France)
- Libretto: Carlo Pepoli based an a novel by Sir Walter Scott
- Setting: Near Plymouth, England; English Civil War
- Opera in 3 acts
The Main Characters in I Puritani (The Puritans)
- Lord Walton, of the Puritans (bass)
- Sir George Walton, Giorgio, Lord Walton’s brother (bass)
- Lord Arthur Talbot, Arturo, of the Cavaliers (tenor)
- Sir Richard Forth, Riccardo, of the Puritans (baritone)
- Sir Benno Robertson, of the Puritans (tenor)
- Queen Henrietta, Enrichetta, widow of Charles I (soprano)
- Elvira, daughter of Lord Walton (soprano)
Basic Plot Summary of Bellini’s opera I Puritani (The Puritans)
Act I:
During the English Civil War in Plymouth, England, the widow of Charles I, Queen Enrichetta, (Henrietta) is being held prisoner in Lord Walton of Cromwell’s fortress. She has been sentenced to death. Elvira, the daughter of Lord Walton, is in love with Lord Arthur (Arturo) Talbot and the two wish to be married. Sir Richard (Riccardo) secretly loves Elvira, with whom her father has promised her hand in marriage. Arthur (who is loyal to the Stuarts) helps Henrietta escape the castle by draping Elvira’s bridal veil over her head, and sneaking her out of the castle. When Elvira finds her veil missing and hears that Arthur was seen leaving with another woman, she feels as if her lover has betrayed her. This drives Elvira raving mad. Seeing Elvira in this state, the guests at the wedding want Arthur’s head.
Act II:
Lord Walton’s brother, George, (Giorgio) hears the news of Elvira’s madness. Richard enters and tells George of Parliament’s death sentence order for Arthur. Elvira arrives, singing of her lost love. George persuades Richard to try and find Arthur so that they may reunite him with Elvira in hopes of saving her life, rather than allowing the madness to drive her to death. Richard agrees, but swears that if Arthur turns up in tomorrow’s battle they will avenge the pain caused Elvira.
Act III:
(In a grove) Arthur, aware of the danger, seeks to be reunited with Elvira. She is overjoyed to see him, but when she embraces him, she madly cries out, afraid that he will leave her again. Men, searching nearby, hear Elvira’s screams and capture Arthur. As Arthur is about to be executed, a messenger arrives reporting that the Stuarts have been defeated and that all prisoners have been pardoned. Arthur is freed and the shock of the joyous situation “cures” Elvira. The couple is reunited and now free to marry.
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