Opera in three acts by Gaetano Donizetti

Libretto by Salvatore Camarano

Based on the novel The Bride of Lammermoor by Walter Scott (1819)

First performance: 26 September 1835, Teatro San Carlo in Naples

First performance in Bulgaria: April 24, 1929, in Sofia

First performance in Ruse: December 12, 1965, Conductor-director - Romeo Raichev, director - Tsvetana Andreeva-Prohaska, artist/painter - Petar Popov, choirmaster - Atanas Dimitrov

The story takes place at the end of the 16th century in Scotland. The war between Catholics and Protestants is in full range. House Ashton and House Ravenswood are old enemies. Ravenswood Castle, near Lammermoor, was taken over by Ashton.

Main characters:

Lucia di Lammermoor - soprano
Edgardo di Ravenswood - tenor
Lord Enrico Ashton - baritone
Lord Arturo Bucklow - tenor
Alice - mezzo-soprano
Raimondo Bidebend - bass
Normanno - tenor

Short synopsis:

First act

First scene

Ravenswood Castle became the property of Lord Enrico Ashton. Old Lord Ravenswood is killed, which should end the old enmity between the two noble houses. But the victor still does not feel like he is the truthful master yet, because Ravenswood's son, Edgardo, has survived... Enrico shares his concern with his confidant Raimondo. Only an arranged marriage for his sister Lucia could improve the family's financial difficulties. And such an opportunity is provided by the alliance with the powerful Lord Arturo Bucklaw. But Lucia refuses to accept such an offer. Raimondo justifies this refusal with his grief for their recently deceased mother. Normano, the head of the guard at Ravenswood Castle, reveals to Enrico the real reason for Lucia's refusal - she loves Edgardo Ravenswood. The young man often visits the castle garden to meet with his beloved, even if it means risking his own life. Enrico is overcome with anger. He cannot bear such dishonor. The guard soldiers report seeing Edgardo again near the ruins of the old tower. They are immediately ordered the next time they see him catch him at any cost.

Second scene

Lucia, accompanied by her lady-in-waiting Alisa, enters the park. Lucia is waiting for Edgardo, whom she has met in secret in this place countless times. She tells Alisa about her love, and Alisa tries to reason with her by reminding her of her brother's hatred of her lover's family. However, Lucia recalls that near this exact place where they are standing right now many years ago, Edgardo's great-grandfather killed his wife in a fit of rage blinded by jealousy. The shadow of the unfortunate woman had recently appeared before Lucia. Alisa is convinced that this is an omen, which means that Lucia must give up on her destructive love. Edgardo comes. He announces that he must go to France, but before that he intends to ask for her hand in marriage. Terrified, Lucia stops him. The two swear eternal devotion and exchange engagement rings.

Second act

Third scene

Months have passed without any word from Edgardo. While in fact, Enrico has forbidden his sister to receive any letters. He also managed to arrange a marriage for her to Lord Arturo Bucklaw. The guests are already arriving Arturo is also coming. Enter Lucia. She reminds her brother that Edgardo was asking for her hand in marriage. Then he pulls out a fake letter, with which he proves that Edgardo has cheated on her. Raimondo also joins the deception and persuades Lucia to accept the marriage.

Fourth scene

Among the invited guests, most are political supporters of Ashton, ladies, gentlemen, military, and noble residents of Lammermoor. They enthusiastically welcome Lord Arturo Bucklaw. Enrico tries to explain Lucia's sad look at the death of her mother. Raimondo and Alisa accompany the bride. Indifferent from what is happening, Lucia signs the marriage contract. Just at that moment, Edgardo appears and announces that Lucia is his fiancée. Enrico and Arturo draw swords. Edgardo is ready to accept the duel. Raimondo stands between them. He shows the marriage contract. Desperate, Edgardo throws the engagement ring at Lucia's feet and curses her.

Third act

Fifth scene

During the wedding celebration, Raimondo announces to the guests that Lucia, who has lost her mind with despair, has killed Arturo. After a while, Lucia herself enters the hall. Her clothes are soaked with blood. The unfortunate poor girl is blind to everyone around. She imagines that she is with Edgardo at the altar. When Enrico arrives, she recognizes him as her lover and asks for his forgiveness.

Sixth scene

Edgardo has come to the tomb of his ancestors, convinced with no doubt that he will no longer be able to live without Lucia. He is ready even to be killed by his enemies - life has no meaning for him no more. Courtiers mourn Lucia, and Raimondo delivers the terrible news of her death. A bell ringing also echoes. Without hesitation, Edgardo pierces a knife to his chest.