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Canadian Premiere My Friends From Salamanka English surtitles Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 2:30 PM ACT ONE The opera is set in and around Salamanca, Spain. In the hills outside the town three friends, Alonso, Diego and Fidelio, are enjoying the view. Count Tormes approaches and invites Fidelio to join him for an excursion into the countryside. Fidelio declines and the Count is offended at Alonso and Diego's mocking interjections. In her castle, the Countess Olivia, betrothed to Count Tormes, is restless. Olivia tells Eusebia and Laura of her plan to walk alone in the woods. Her companions try to dissuade her, but she dismisses their fears for her safety as childish. Alonso is in love with Olivia. A plan is set to stage a fake attack when Olivia walks alone in the woods, so that Alonso may be one of her "rescuers" and she will fall in love with him. Olivia faints upon the perceived attack but quickly recovers and thanks the gods and her saviours. Alonso and Fidelio protest that they were only doing their knightly duty. Olivia invites everyone to her castle for music and dancing. ACT TWO Diego, last seen fleeing after his pretended attack on Oliva, is led to an inn by his friend Xilo. Diego serenades Laura, and they sing of their love. Back in her castle, Olivia can think only of Alonso, her rescuer. He enters, contrite: racked by guilt confesses his and his friend's deception. He begs for forgiveness. Laura grants it immediately, and they too sing of their love. The absurd Count Tormes has arrived at the castle. He intends to marry the Countess Olivia whom, however, he has never seen. Fidelio mischievously introduces him to Eusebia, who pretends to be Olivia. The deception comes to an abrupt end when the real Olivia enters much to the displeasure of Count Tormes. Further complications are resolved ending in praise of friendship and love. This pleasant if innocent singspiel that was composed in 1815 butnot performed till 1928; and despite the lost libretto made by Johann Mayrofer still shows that Shubert a talent for operas as well as masterful symphonies and art songs. |
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