Seattle Opera presents I Puritani May 3-17 for eight performances. Vincenzo Bellini's final bel canto opera has never been seen in Seattle and requires outstanding singers of great vocal ability. To quote Speight Jenkins, "In my 25 years as general director, I have never before found a quartet of singers that I thought could do justice to one of the most thrilling musical experiences in all of opera. One by one over the last few years I have assembled the eight artists for our two casts and we will now present this treat for all those who love the human voice." I Puritani opened in Paris in January of 1835 and was a great success and a triumph in London four months later. There was so much excitement and advance publicity that a command performance was given for the young Princess Victoria for her 16th birthday. After she became queen (1837-1901), she often referred to her experience calling it her "Dear Puritani."The Story: The story of Romeo and Juliet, star crossed lovers, set against the backdrop of the English Civil War of the 1640s between the Roundheads and the Cavaliers. The Story of the OperaElvira, the heroine, is the daughter of Lord Gualtiero Walton who has arranged to marry her to the puritan colonel, Sir Riccardo Forth. Elvira is in love with royalist, Lord Arturo Talbot, and would rather die than marry Riccardo. Her father relents and finally allows her to marry Arturo, though fails to tell her of his decision. Riccardo vows that he will do everything possible to prevent the marriage. Elvira's uncle reassures her that he has convinced her father to let her marry Arturo. She is delighted and expresses her joy. Her father tells her that he will be unable to attend her wedding, as he has to escort an important prisoner to London. Arturo arrives and the guests bring gifts. Everyone leaves except Arturo and the prisoner who reveals her identity as Henrietta, the widow of the executed Charles the First. Arturo, being a true royalist, promises to help her escape. They leave together. Elvira believing she has been abandoned goes mad to fabulous music in the second act. Riccardo continues his plotting until he is convinced that Elvira will regain her sanity upon the return of Arturo. In the third act, Arturo returns, eluding the puritan soldiers, determined to explain himself to Elvira. When Elvira recognizes his voice, her reason is restored and she rushes to him. They express their ecstatic happiness. Hearing the drums and imagining Arturo will forsake her again, Elvira slips back into madness and calls for the guards. They arrest Arturo, and Riccardo declares that the sentence of death will be carried out. Arturo bids farewell to the now devastated Elvira. Just as the execution is about to take place, word comes that the royalist forces are defeated, and there is a general amnesty. Arturo is saved; Elvira is restored to sanity, and the opera ends in general rejoicing. Not exactly historically correct. My interest in English history goes back to my early childhood to an old volume of the illustrated history of England in my grandfather's library. I didn't know much about dates and battles, but could identify all the characters by their pictures, including the kings and queens, and could tell stories about them all. Needless to say, my major in college was English history. One of my favorite periods was that of the Stuarts and the English Civil War brought to life by a wonderful picture entitled, "And when did you last see your father?" depicting a small boy being interrogated by Roundhead soldiers. To me, this was the epitome of that terrible time in England when families were divided and a father's life could depend on the innocent words of a child. When my esteemed editor suggested I do a column on the historical background of I Puritani, that picture immediately came to mind. So off I went to consult that same old history book, now in my possession, and very much the worse for wear. There it was on Page 262 in black and white and somewhat faded. On more careful examination, I found it was by a famous Victorian artist, W. F. Yeames. After the wonders of the Web and considerable research, there it was on the computer screen in all its full-color glory. What a thrill. Now I am able to share it with you.Now for a little history. Four Stuart kings there were whose names were James and Charles, and Charles and James. The Stuart dynasty lasted from 1603 to 1685 with a seven-year break from 1653 to 1660 for the commonwealth and Oliver Cromwell. James the First was the son of the ill-fated Mary Queen of Scots. His son, Charles the First, came to the English throne in 1625 and married Henrietta Maria, daughter of the King of France. The marriage was unpopular because she was a Catholic.Charles firmly believed in the divine right of kings and considered himself an absolute monarch. In 1626 he dismissed Parliament and ruled independently for 11 years. Charles funded his government with levies and heavy fines, and brought the Church of England much closer to Rome. Charles needed Parliament to raise funds to defend his realm. Arguments with Parliament continued.In 1642 Parliament suggested the 19 Propositions, in the hopes of reaching a settlement with the king. They called for a new constitution recognizing their own supremacy; demanded that ministers and judges be appointed by Parliament and not by the king; and also that all church and military matters come under the control of Parliament. Charles' responded by declaring war.However, both sides hoped that war could be averted or that one decisive battle would put an end to the matter. Unfortunately, this did not happen. The war continued over several years with large and small battles. Some won by the Roundheads led by Cromwell and others won by the Royalists, led by Prince Rupert of the Rhine (Charles' nephew). There were more debates and discussion until January of 1649 when the Rump Parliament began. All members who were in favor of negotiation with the king were expelled. The Rump Parliament gave parliament the right to make new Acts of Parliament without the king's approval. They tried King Charles for treason and sentenced him to death Jan. 20, 1649. On Jan. 30, 1649, King Charles was executed. Parliament abolished the monarchy, declared England a commonwealth, and in 1653 appointed Oliver Cromwell Lord Protector. He ruled until his death in 1658. In 1660 the monarchy was reinstated, with Charles II as king.I Puritani is set in the time after King Charles' execution. Henrietta and her family had already escaped to France. I Puritani promises to be a delightful opera for the whole family and will feature the opulent costumes of Sir Peter Hall from the Metropolitan Opera and sets by Robert Dahlstrom. A remarkable quartet of singers, including Norah Amsellem, Lawrence Brownlee, and Artists of the Year recipients John Relyea and Mariusz Kwiecien, delivers aria after gorgeous aria as they navigate the full spectrum of human expression. It's going to be a great show. Don't miss it. TTFN till next time.[[In-content Ad]]
