Opera and Ballet Intermission Arrangement
The chapter explains the judicious theatrical arrangement of dividing the two acts of the opera with a ballet. This plan ensures that the pauses between performances are very short, allowing the opera singers time to rest and change costumes while the dancers execute their pirouettes and display their graceful steps on stage.
Act 2 Overture Begins, Franz Observes the Greek Girl’s Companion
As the overture to the second act commences, Franz notices the mysterious sleeper slowly rise and approach the Greek girl. She turns to exchange a few words with him, then leans forward again on the railing of her box, becoming once more absorbed in the performance. Franz attempts to discern the features of the stranger, but the man’s countenance remains completely in shade. The curtain rises, and Franz’s attention shifts toward the stage and the actors’ performance.
Performance of the Parisina Duet
The second act of Parisina opens with a celebrated and effective duet in which Parisina, while sleeping, betrays to Azzo the secret of her love for Ugo. The injured husband experiences the full range of jealous emotions until conviction overtakes him; in a frenzy of rage and indignation, he awakens his guilty wife to denounce her and threaten vengeance. Described as one of the most beautiful, expressive, and terrible conceptions of Donizetti, the duet moves Franz deeply despite his having heard it twice before. So stirred is he that he rises with the audience, but his intended applause is arrested when the occupant of the Greek girl’s box stands and his identity is revealed.
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