L'elisir d’amore

Act I

In the small Italian town, the peasants are taking a break from their work and gather around the rich and beautiful landowner, Adina, as she reads a book. Nemorino, the simple, clumsy young village man, listens and watches with complete adoration (Quanto è bella, quanto è cara). He loves Adina completely, but senses that she may be out of his league. The villagers all urge her to continue reading, so she reads them part of the story of Tristan and Isolde, and how Tristan won Isolde’s heart with a magical love potion (Benedette queste carte! - Della crudele Isotta). At that moment, Sergeant Belcore and his platoon of soldiers are heard entering the town. Making a beeline for Adina and her beauty, Belcore introduces himself to her and asks for her hand in marriage (Come Paride vezzoso). Adina firmly states that she is not in any rush, but says that she will consider his offer. The villagers follow Belcore and the soldiers into town as Nemorino heads back to speak to Adina alone.