I CAPULETI E I MONTECCHI A LOVER'S TRAGEDY

I Capuleti e i Montecchi is an opera in two acts composed by Vincenzo Bellini. I Capuleti e i Montecchi is based on the story of Romeo and Juliet with the plot being similar to Shakespeare's version but based on Italian stories.

The score was composed in 1830 for a performance during Venice's spring carnival. As Bellini was only given six weeks for its composition he reworked several pieces of his previous works. The libretto was written by Felici Romani based on several earlier Italian librettos as the story of Romeo and Juliet or i Capuleti e i Montecchi was very popular in Italy. The score was written for the musical range of the opera singers who were to perform at its premiere. Some earlier performances divided the opera into four acts but recent productions have reverted to the original divisions. Since its revival in 1935 the opera has remained popular worldwide.

HISTORY

The Capuleti and Montecchi in Bellini's version are rival political factions not families, but otherwise the plot remains similar to the story, set in 13th C Verona, that we are all familiar with. Romeo and Giulietta meet and fall in love to much opposition. An attempt to deceive Giulietta's father, allowing her to be with Romeo, fails tragically and the story ends with the death of both Romeo and Giulietta.

Act 1

This act is divided into three scenes with scene one opening in the palace of Capellio, leader of the Capuleti's. He is talking with Tebaldo, Giulietta's betrothed. Romeo, although leader of the Montecchi, arrives disguised as an envoy with an offer of peace and a request for Giulietta's hand in marriage. Capellio and Tebaldo reject this offer as Romeo had accidentally killed Giulietta's brother in battle. Tebaldo has sworn to avenge this as a way of celebrating his marriage to Giulietta. Although Giulietta is ill, Capellio insists that their marriage is to take place immediately. Scene two moves to her bedroom where Giulietta is pining for Romeo. Lorenzo, her doctor and friend, enters and tells her that he has arranged a secret meeting with Romeo, who tries to persuade Giulietta to elope with him. She refuses as it would bring disgrace to her family's honour, saying she would rather die broken hearted. Scene three returns to preparations for the marriage of Giulietta and Tebaldo but Romeo enters in disguise and waits for the arrival of his soldiers who attack the Montecchi party. Romeo again pleads with Giulietta but they are discovered by her father and Tebaldo, who believe she is having a liaison with a mere envoy. Romeo reveals himself and is taken away shielded by his followers and war is declared.

Act 2

Act 2 is again broken into three scenes, opening in the palace with Giulietta awaiting news of the battle. Lorenzo is able to reassure her that Romeo is safe but that plans are being made to take her to Tebaldo's palace. He persuades her to take a sleeping draught and he will tell her father that she has died, promising her that both he and Romeo will be there when she awakes. Just before she falls into a deep sleep she begs her father's forgiveness. Capellio, however, is suspicious and arranges that Lorenzo be watched. Scene two sees Romeo waiting impatiently in the grounds for Lorenzo but instead Tebaldo arrives and they argue and fight only to be interrupted by the 'funeral' procession of Giulietta. Romeo and Tebaldo are united in remorse and sadness and decide on a suicide pact. The opera ends in the tombs of the Capuleti. Romeo opens Giulietta's coffin, says farewell to her and swallows poison; but before he dies Juliet awakes only to be told by Romeo that he is dying. Giulietta is unable to live without him and throws herself over his body to die. Capellio is blamed for this double tragedy by both the Capuleti and Montecchi factions.

MAIN ROLES

Capellio: Giulietta's father and leader of the Capuleti faction (bass).
Tebaldo: Capellio's friend and Giulietta's betrothed (tenor).
Giulietta: Capellio's daughter; in love with Romeo but betrothed to Tebaldo (soprano).
Romeo: leader of the Montecchi family; in love with Giulietta (mezzo-soprano).
Lorenzo: Giulietta's doctor and friend (bass).