Gaetano Donizetti’s opera Lucia di Lammermoor is a tragedy in three acts written the Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti. Lucia di Lammermoor, with a libretto Salvadore Cammarano, was written in 1835. The Bride of Lammermoor, a novel Sir Walter Scott, is based on a true story, and Lucia di Lammermoor is based on it.
On September 26, 1835, the Italian version of Lucia di Lammermoor premiered at Teatro San Carlo in Naples. The libretto was translated into French Alphonse Royer and Gustave Vaz, and Donizetti changed the setting. On August 6, 1839, the Théâtre de la Renaissance in Paris presented this version for the first time.
Lucia di Lammermoor’s story has a complicated backstory. The Ashtons have usurped Edgardo, the heir to Ravenswood Castle and the surrounding estate. Enrico Ashton, the family’s patriarch and Laird of Lammermoor, has squandered the family fortune and put the family in jeopardy due to his political activities. He intends to marry his sister Lucia to a wealthy laird named Arturo in order to gain allies and money. Lucia and Edgardo, on the other hand, are already in love.
As Act I of Lucia di Lammermoor begins, Enrico is advised the chaplain not to rush Lucia into marriage because she is still grieving over her recently deceased mother. When Enrico learns that Edgardo, whom he considers an enemy, is close by, he swears to kill him. Edgardo has arrived to meet Lucia, who has been waiting for him near a fountain where she has seen the ghost of a murdered Lammermoor ancestor. Alisa, Lucia’s companion, keeps watch when Edgardo arrives. Edgardo has been summoned to fight, but he wants to make amends with Enrico before he leaves. Lucia implores him not to tell Enrico about their relationship. They exchange wedding rings, which they regard as a symbol of their union, and he promises to write to her.
Enrico and his servant discuss whether Lucia will oppose Arturo’s marriage in Act II of Lucia di Lammermoor. All of Edgardo’s letters have been intercepted, and one of them has been forged, claiming that Edgardo is in love with another woman. Enrico takes the forged letter and goes to Lucia, telling her that he only wants her to be well-married, while the servant greets Arturo. She responds that she considers herself Edgardo’s wife already. Enrico hands her the forgery and chastises her for her surprised expression. He informs her that unless she marries Enrico, he will be executed, and she will be held responsible.
The chaplain informs Lucia that all but one of her letters to Edgardo have been intercepted, but that the other will be delivered. He believes Edgardo has been unfaithful because he has not received a response, and he tells Lucia that the ring exchange is not the same as marriage. He encourages her to do her duty and save her brother, promising her a reward in heaven if she succeeds.
Lucia signs the marriage contract after being persuaded the chaplain, but Edgardo enters unexpectedly. When he sees the contract, he takes her ring off and curses her. Arturo and Enrico order him to leave, but Edgardo tosses his weapon aside and declares that he no longer wishes to live.
In Act III, Edgardo is sitting in the hall, wishing for the end of the world, when Enrico enters, giddy over Lucia’s recent wedding, and challenges Edgardo to a duel. The wedding party is interrupted the chaplain, who claims that he entered the bridal chamber after hearing a cry and found Arturo dead and Lucia holding a bloodstained dagger and asking for her bridegroom. Lucia enters, convinced that her wedding to Edgardo is about to take place.
When Enrico returns, the chaplain informs him of what has occurred, including the fact that Lucia’s mind has failed. Enrico is overcome with guilt when he hears Lucia say that she is her brother’s victim. The chaplain chastises the servant for his actions’ consequences.
Meanwhile, Edgardo anticipates his duel with Enrico, relishing the prospect of death. Funeral bells ring as the servants enter. Edgardo wishes to see Lucia again, but the chaplain informs him that she is no longer alive. Despite attempts to restrain him, Edgardo stabs himself, thinking of Lucia as he dies.