The Capulets and the Montagues - Vincenzo Bellini

The Capulets and the Montagues - Vincenzo Bellini: "The Capulets and the Montagues "The Capulets and the Montagues are families well known from Shakespeare, and their clan-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, are the iconic embodiments of young love--love that resists family prohibitions even if the results are tragic. Bellini's 1830 opera is not based on Shakespeare's play, but, depending on which authority you choose to accept, either on an 1818 play by Luigi Scevola or a 16th century story by Matteo Bandello, thought also to be Shakespeare's source. The location is the same, Verona, as is the essence of the story. Felice Romani's libretto gives prominence to the character of Juliet's fiancée, Tebaldo, so that the rivalry for Juliet's favor becomes a stronger plot element.
Bellini's captivating bel canto melodies, frequently heard in regular repertory performances of Norma, La Sonnambula and I Puritani, are much in evidence in this less often performed work. Written for Venice's carnival season in just six weeks, it was, nonetheless, an enormous success at the time. A current resurgence of interest in the work is evident, perhaps stimulated by the bicentennial of the composer's birth.
The current outing at New York City Opera is a new production created in partnership with Los Angeles Opera, Minnesota Opera, and the New Israeli Opera.