LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR
by Gaetano Donizetti
SUMMARY
Lord Enrico Ashton is furious to discover that his sister, Lucia, loves his enemy, Sir Edgardo di Ravenswood. Lucia is expected to marry Lord Arturo Bucklaw, in order to save the family from financial ruin. This secret relationship with Edgardo must end.
In the garden, Lucia waits by a old fountain with her companion, Alisa, for a secret rendevous with Edgardo. Alisa cautions her about the risks associated with attending these secret meetings. Edgardo arrives and the couple pledge their eternal love near the mysterious fountain, with an exchange of rings.
Enrico confronts Lucia about her relationship with Edgardo, and gives her a fake letter, hoping to convince his sister that Edgardo has been unfaithful. Enrico pleads with her to understand that their family fortunes and their very lives depend upon her marriage to Lord Arturo. He demands that she go through with the marriage. Lucia is devastated but still refuses to marry Bucklaw. The pastor, Raimondo, Lucia's chaplain and tutor, appears. He urges Lucia to fulfill her duty as a loyal sister, claiming that her reward will be in heaven. She finally agrees.
Festive music is heard, and the guests welcome Arturo's arrival. Distraught and agitated, Lucia is compelled to sign the marriage contract. Enrico expresses his relief just as Edgardo bursts in, disrupting the wedding. When he discovers that Lucia has betrayed her promise to him, he curses her and throws the ring she gave him at her feet.
Enrico challenges Edgardo to a duel, bringing Act II to a close.
It is Lucia's wedding night. Raimondo discovers that Lucia has murdered her husband, Arturo, and gone insane. Enrico enters, furious at Lucia, but soon recognizes her madness. After a chaotic and delusional episode, filled with halucinations and mental distress, Lucia collapses in front of the terrified guests, and dies.
Edgardo sneaks into the castle and learns from Raimondo that Lucia has died. In despair, he siezes the very dagger that Lucia used against Arturo, and kills himself.