Rappaccini's Daughter (opera)
| Rappaccini’s Daughter | |
|---|---|
| Opera by Daniel Catán | |
| Librettist | Juan Tovar |
| Language | Spanish |
| Based on | La hija de Rappaccini (Play) by Octavio Paz & Rappaccini's Daughter by Nathaniel Hawthorne |
| Premiere | 25 April 1991 Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City, Mexico |
La hija de Rappaccini (Rappaccini's Daughter) is an opera in two acts composed by Daniel Catán to a libretto by Juan Tovar based on the play by Octavio Paz and the short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It premiered at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City in 1991 and had its US premiere in 1994 at San Diego Opera. Upon its premiere in San Diego, Rappaccini's Daughter became the first work by a Mexican composer to be produced by a major opera house in the United States. Although Catán's second opera, Rappaccini's Daughter was his first commercial success.
The success of Rappaccini's Daughter brought Catán international attention, launching his musical career in the United States and sealing the commission of his next opera, Florencia en el Amazonas by the Houston Grand Opera.
Scene 1
On the streets of Padua, Italy, Dr. Baglioni argues with Dr. Rappaccini over his research and methods. Baglioni believes Rappaccini’s practices should be stopped. Rappaccini defends his work and dismisses Baglioni’s criticism. The two men depart.
Scene 2
Giovanni, a young medical student, arrives from Naples. While on the street, Isabela approaches, asking him if he is the student that will be renting her spare room. Giovanni confirms and Isabela shows him to his room.
Scene 3
Once in Giovanni’s room, Isabela tells the student that from his terrace he can see the garden of Dr. Rappaccini. She then explains that the doctor has a beautiful daughter named Beatriz and that he won’t let anyone near her. Soon Dr. Baglioni arrives and warns Giovanni of Rappaccini’s questionable practices.
Scene 4
In his garden, Dr. Rappaccini sings of the healing and poisonous nature of his plants. Beatriz enters and Rappaccini shares his vision with her, then leaves. Once alone, Beatriz laments her solitary life. She picks a rose and it withers in her hands.
Scene 5
Giovanni watches the rose wither in Beatriz’s hands from his window. In disbelief, he questions what he saw. He expresses his infatuation for Beatriz then goes to sleep.
Scene 6
In his dream, Giovanni enters Dr. Rappaccini’s garden. Hearing voices of the flowers, he finds the doctor who tells him that ‘the gardener never sleeps’. Rappaccini wanders away. Giovanni sings of his desire for Beatriz.
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