- 1782 
- Singspiel Act 1Top Act 2 | |
Scene 1 | |
| A square in front of the Pasha's palace by the sea shore | |
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| No. 1 - Aria BELMONTE: (alone) Here shall I see you, Constanza, you my hope! Oh heaven, let it be so And restore my peace of mind. Oh love, I have suffered too much! Now bestow happiness upon me instead And lead me to my goal. (Dialogue) But how am I to get into the palace? How to see her? How to speak to her? | |
Scene 2 | |
| Osmin arrives with a laddder, which he leans against a tree by the door of the palace | |
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| No. 2 - Song and Duet OSMIN: He who has found a sweetheart Who is faithful and true, Must reward her with a thousand kisses; Must make her life a delight, Must be her comforter and friend. Trallalera, trallalera. (Dialogue) BELMONTE: Maybe I can discover something by questioning this old fellow. Hey there, friend! Is this Pasha Selim's estate? OSMIN: (carries on singing, while he continues work.) But to ensure that she remains faithful He should lock up his sweetheart with care; Since the mischievous young things try to capture Every passing butterfly, and gladly sip at other people's wine. Trallalera, trallalera. (Dialogue) BELMONTE: Hey there, old fellow! Are you deaf? Is this Pasha Selim's palace? OSMIN: (looks at him, turns back and continues singing as before) By the light of the moon in particular, Friends, be especially on your guard! There's often some young gentlemen lurking, Whispering sweet nothings to the little fools And then you can say good night to fidelity! Trallalera, trallalera. BELMONTE: A curse on you and your song! I've had enough of your singing; Just listen for a moment! OSMIN: The devil, how dare you Work yourself up so, carry on so? What do you want? Hurry up, I've things to go. BELMONTE: Is this Pasha Selim's house? OSMIN: Eh?? BELMONTE: Is this Pasha Selim's house? OSMIN: Yes, this Pasha Selim's house. (turns to leave) BELMONTE: Wait a moment! OSMIN: I cannot stay. BELMONTE: A single word? OSMIN: Quick then, I must away. BELMONTE: Are you in his service, my friend? OSMIN: Eh?? BELMONTE: Are you in his service, my friend? OSMIN: Yes, I am in his service, my friend. BELMONTE: How can I get to speak to Pedrillo Who is in his service here? OSMIN: That rascal, fit for the gallows! See to it yourself, if you want him. (turns to leave) BELMONTE: (aside) What a rude old rascal! OSMIN: (aside) He is a proper gallowsbird. BELMONTE: You're mistaken. He's an honest man. OSMIN: So honest that I'd like to put him on a spit. BELMONTE: Your surely don't know him very well. OSMIN: Well enough! I'd have him burned this very day. BELMONTE: In truth, he's a decent chap. OSMIN: I'd like to stick his head on a stake! (turns to leave) BELMONTE: Please stay here! OSMIN: What else do you want? BELMONTE: I'd like to .. OSMIN: (derisively) ... creep around The house from afar And abduct the girls. Away with you, We don't need your type here. BELMONTE: You're out of your mind! To address me So viciously And disrespectfully! OSMIN: Don't get worked up! I know your type. BELMONTE: Save your venom. Stop threatening me. OSMIN: Go to the devil Or else, I swear it, You'll get the bastinado Without mercy. You've still got time. (pushes him away) BELMONTE: There's no doubt about it: You're out of your mind. What a way to behave On account of my questions! Do keep your temper. (exit) | |
Scene 3 | |
| Dialogue | |
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| PEDRILLO: Well, how are things, Osmin? Is the Pacha not yet back? OSMIN: See for yourself, if you want to know. PEDRILLO: What on earth have I done to make you so angry with me? Can't we make peace for once? OSMIN: Make peace with you? With such a lowdown, slimy snake in the grass who is out to get at me? If only he had not got into the Pasha's good books the way he has, he'd have been strung up long ago. I'd like to wring your neck! PEDRILLO: But tell me: why? why? OSMIN: Why? Because I can't stand you. No. 3 - Aria OSMIN: Popinjays sprung up from nowhere with nothing but women on their minds I can't put up with them. All they ever do Is to watch our every step, But I'm not duped by types like that! Your deceipt and your plots, Your schemes and your tricks, I know them all. If you'd get the better of me You'll have to get up earlier. I've got some sense too. Therefore, by the Prophet's beard, I study day and night I rack may brains, And I won't rest until I see you killed, No matter how much care you take. (Dialogue) PEDRILLO: You really a brute, and I didn't do you any harm. OSMIN: You've got the face of a gallowsbird, and that is enough for me. (Singing) First you'll be beheaded, Then you'll be hanged, Then impaled On red hot spikes, Then burned, Then manacled And drowned; Finally flayed alive. (off into the house) | |
Scene 4 | |
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| PEDRILLO (alone) Just go away, you confounded snooper, die game isn't over yet! Who knows who may get the better of the other! BELMONTE: Pedrillo, my dear Pedrillo! PEDRILLO: Oh, dearest Sir! Is it possible? Is it really you? BELMONTE: Tell me, is my Constanza still alive? PEDRILLO: She lives and, I hope, still lives for you. As luck would have it, Pasha Selim bought the three of us: your Constanza, my Blonda and me. Donna Constanza has become his special favourite. BELMONTE: Ha! What are you saying? PEDRILLO: Come, come, don't flare up so! As far as I know, his love is still unrequited. BELMONTE: PEDRILLO: BELMONTE: PEDRILLO: BELMONTE: Oh my dear, good Pedrillo, do what you can so that I may see her, that I may speak to her! My heart is beating with fear and joy! PEDRILLO: Stay close by. The Pasha is due to return from his pleasure trip on the water. I will introduce you to him as a clever architect. But you must control yourself: Constanza is with him. BELMONTE: PEDRILLO: (exit) | |
Scene 5 | |
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| No. 4 - Recitative and Aria BELMONTE (alone) Constanza, to see you again, you! ? Oh how fearfully, oh how fervently My heart is beating, full of love! And the tears shed at seeing her again Are recompense for the bitter pain of parting. I tremble, I falter, I hesitate, I shrink, My heart swells and beats faster. Is that her whisper? Anxiety fills me. Was that her sigh? My cheeks are afire. Did love deceive me? Was it a dream? Dialogue PEDRILLO (hurries in) Quick, quick, step aside and hide yourself. The Pasha is coming. (Belmonte hides) | |
Scene 6 | |
| Pasha Selim and Constanza arrive on a pleasure craft, preceded by another boat carrying a Janissary band, which lands first. The Janissaries line up, sing the following chorus and depart | |
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| No. 5 - Chorus JANISSARIES' CHORUS: Sing to the mighty Pasha, Resound, fiery song; And let the shore reverberate With the joyful sound of our songs! SOLOS: Waft towards him, Cooling breezes, Flow more gently, Billowing waters! Let your song carry towards him, Soaring choirs, Let your song implant Love's joy in his heart! (Janissaries off) | |
Scene 7 | |
| Selim, Constanza | |
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| SELIM: Still so despondent, beloved Constanza? Still in tears? Look, what a lovely evening, what charming surroundings, what enchanting music, my tender love for you? Tell me, can none of these calm you at last and move your heart? Consider: I could command you, I could be cruel to you, I could compel you? (Constanza sighs) SELIM: But no, Constanza, I want to have your love because you, you yourself, gave it to me? CONSTANZA: Most generous of men! If only I could? but? SELIM: Tell me, Constanza, tell me, what holds you back? CONSTANZA: You will hate me. SELIM No, I swear it. You know how much I love you, how much liberty I give you, more than any other woman, that I look upon you as the only one? CONSTANZA: Then forgive me. No. 6 - Aria CONSTANZA: Alas, I loved, I was so happy; I knew nothing of love's pain. Promised to be true To my beloved, And I gave him all my heart. But how quickly my joy deserted me, Separation was my unhappy fate. And now my eyes are bathed in tears, Grief resides in my breast. CONSTANZA: SELIM: CONSTANZA: SELIM: CONSTANZA: SELIM: CONSTANZA: SELIM: CONSTANZA: SELIM: CONSTANZA: | |
Scene 8 | |
| Selim, Pedrillo, Belmonte | |
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| SELIM: Her grief, her tears, her constancy enchant my heart all the more, and make her love even more desirable. Who could use force against a heart like hers? No, Constanza, no, Selim has a heart as well, Selim knows love as well? PEDRILLO: My Lord! Forgive me for daring to intrude upon your thoughts? SELIM: What do you want, Pedrillo? PEDRILLO: This young gentleman has heard of your wealth and has come to offer you his services as an architect. BELMONTE: Could be so happy to win your acknowledgement besides my low abilities? SELIM: Let us see what you can do. (exit) | |
Scene 9 | |
| Belmonte, Pedrillo | |
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| PEDRILLO: Triumph, Sir! The first step has been taken. BELMONTE: I have seen her, I have seen the dear, faithful, best of girls! PEDRILLO: BELMONTE: PEDRILLO: BELMONTE: If only it were possible to speak to her? PEDRILLO: We will have to see what can be done. Just come into the garden with me; but for heaven's sake, be careful. (They are about to enter the palace. Osmin encounters them in the door and restrains them.) | |
Scene 10 | |
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| OSMIN: Where are you going? PEDRILLO: Inside. OSMIN: What does the fellow want? PEDRILLO: He is in the Pasha's service. OSMIN: If he were in the hangman's services, he cannot enter. PEDRILLO: But he must enter!! OSMIN: Just take one step across the threshold... BELMONTE: OSMIN: PEDRILLO: OSMIN: PEDRILLO: OSMIN: PEDRILLO: Don't be difficult. BELMONTE: Stand back, wretch! No. 7 - Trio OSMIN: Away! Away! Away! Clear off! Or else the bastinado Will be straightway at your service! BELMONTE - PEDRILLO: My, wouldn't it be a pity To treat us like that! OSMIN: Don't come any closer, Or else I'll let fly. BELMONTE - PEDRILLO: Stand back from the door, We're going in. (They push him away from the door) OSMIN: Quick march! Or I'll let fly! BELMONTE - PEDRILLO: Stand back, we're going in. (They force him aside and enter) | |
Act 2Top Act 1 Act 3 | |
Scene 1 | |
| A garden in Pasha Selim's palace; Osmin's quarters are at the side. | |
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| BLONDE: No. 8 - Aria BLONDA: With tenderness and pretty words, Kindness and pleasantries, It is easy to conquer Good girls' hearts. But surly commands, Banging about, nagging, tormenting, Will result, in a few days, In love and fidelity departing. Dialogue OSMIN: Tenderness! Pretty words! BLONDE: OSMIN: I hope you have not forgotten that die Pasha has given you to me as my slave? BLONDA Never you mind about the Pasha! Girls are not goods that can be given away as presents. I am an Englishwoman, born to be free, and defy anyone who would attempt to coerce me! OSMIN: BLONDE: OSMIN: BLONDE: OSMIN: BLONDE: OSMIN BLONDE: OSMIN: BLONDE: OSMIN: BLONDE: OSMIN: BLONDE: OSMIN: Poison and daggers! My patience is at an end! Go into the house this instant! BLONDE: OSMIN: BLONDA: I'm not budging an inch. OSMIN: Don't make me use force! BLONDA: I shall meet force with force. My mistress is the Pasha's favourite. It only needs one word from me and you have fifty of the best on the soles of your feet. Be off! OSMIN: (aside) She is a devil. No. 9 - Duet OSMIN: I'm going, but let me advise you To keep away from that rascal Pedrillo. BLONDA: Be off, don't order me about, You know that I can't abide it. OSMIN: Promise me ... BLONDA: How dare you? OSMIN: Hang it all! BLONDA: Away, leave me alone! OSMIN: Indeed, I won't budge an inch Until you swear to obey me. BLONDA: Not a bit, you poor fool, Even if you were the Great Mogul in person. (Together, but each to him/herself) OSMIN: O Englishmen, what fools you are To let your women have their own way! What a bother and nuisance it is To be landed with such a creature. BLONDA: A heart born to freedom Will never submit to slavery; Even if liberty is lost It is still proud to be free and laughs at the world! Now be off! OSMIN: How dare you address me like that? BLONDA: Just like that. OSMIN: I'll stay, all the more. BLONDA: (pushes him away) Some other time! Now you must go. OSMIN: Was there ever such impudence! (together) BLONDA: (pretending to scratch his eyes out) Your eyes are in peril If you stay here any longer. OSMIN: (retreating nervously) Keep quiet, I'm going, I going, Before you start using your fists. (exit) | |
Scene 2 | |
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| BLONDA: How sadly my dear lady approaches! Of course it is painful to lose one's beloved and be a slave. No. 10 - Recitative and Aria CONSTANZA: (without observing Blonda's presence) Oh, what changes have been wrought in my heart Since that day when fate parted us! Oh Belmonte! The joys have departed Which I knew when by your side; The pains of anxious longing Now inhabit my oppressed heart! Unhappiness has become my lot Because I have been torn from you. Like the rose, eaten by worms, Like the grass that withers in winter My wretched life is fading away. Not even to the air may I confide The bitter anguish of my soul, Because, unwilling to endure it, The very air blows all my laments Back into my afflicted heart. Dialogue BLONDA: Oh, my dear lady! Still so despondent? | |
Scene 3 | |
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| SELIM: Well, Constanza, are you considering my request? The day is almost over, and tomorrow you must love me or ... CONSTANZA: Must? SELIM: KONSTANZE: SELIM: KONSTANZE: As though it were possible to command love! I will always think as I do now: I will honour you, but – love you? Never. SELIM: And do you not tremble before the power that I have over you? CONSTANZA: Not in the least. All I have to look forward to is death. SELIM: Wretch! No, not death, but tortures of every kind? CONSTANZA: I will endure them too; you cannot frighten me, I am ready for anything. No. 11 - Aria CONSTANZA: Tortures of every kind May await me, I scorn agony and pain. Nothing will shake me, Only one thing might make me tremble: If I were to be unfaithful. I implore you, Spare me! The blessings of heaven Shall be your reward. But you are determined. Willingly, unflinchingly I choose every pain and grief. Well then, command, coerce me, Roar, fulminate, rage, Death will liberate me in the end. (exit) | |
Scene 4 | |
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| SELIM: Is it a dream? Where has she suddenly found courage to defy me like this? Is she hoping to escape me? Ha! That must be prevented. But that cannot be the reason, then she would dissemble, would seek to lull me ... Yes! It is desperation! I achieve nothing by being firm ... nor by entreating her ... well then, what threats and entreaties have not been able to do shall be achieved by cunning. (exit) | |
Scene 5 | |
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| BLONDA: No Pasha, no Constanza any longer? Have they come to an agreement? | |
Scene 6 | |
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| PEDRILLO: Pst, pst! Blonda! Is the coast clear? BLONDA: What have you got? PEDRILLO: News which will delight you. BLONDA: Well? Quickly, out with it! PEDRILLO: BLONDA: PEDRILLO: BLONDA: PEDRILLO: Belmonte has arrived, and I have introduced him into the palace under the guise of an architect. BLONDA: PEDRILLO: BLONDA: PEDRILLO: He has a ship close by and we have decided to carry you off this very night. BLONDA: PEDRILLO: BLONDA: How splendid? But Osmin? PEDRILLO: Here is a sleeping draught for the old slyboots; I'll put it in his drink. BLONDA: PEDRILLO: Now go and prepare Constanza, I will wait here for Belmonte. BLONDA: Oh, what happiness I shall bring her! No. 12 - Aria BLONDA: What bliss, what delight Holds sway within my heart! I must hasten without delay To bring her the news straight away And with laughter and pleasantries I will prophesy to her weak, timid heart Happiness and rejoicing. (exit) | |
Scene 7 | |
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| PEDRILLO: Oh, if only it were over and done with! If only we were already on the high seas, our girls in our arms and this accursed country behind us! But I must risk it; it's now or never. He who hesitates ist lost. No. 13 - Aria PEDRILLO: Now to battle! Now to arms! Only cowards are afraid. Should I tremble? Should I quake? Rather than valiantly Risking my life? No, oh no, I'll take the risk! Now to battle! Now to arms! Only cowards are afraid. | |
Scene 8 | |
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| OSMIN: Ha! Someone is having a great time here! You seem to be full of beans. PEDRILLO: A cheerful disposition and wine sweeten the worst slavery. Truly, your father Mohammed made a terrible blunder when he forbade you to drink wine. If it weren't for that confounded law, you'd have to join me in a glass, whether you wanted to or not. OSMIN: Join you in a glass of wine? Poison? PEDRILLO: Always poison and daggers, daggers and poison! Do let the old enmity be, just for once, and have some sense. Look here, a brace of bottles of Cyprus wine? OSMIN: PEDRILLO: OSMIN: PEDRILLO: OSMIN: But if you give me away? PEDRILLO: Mohammed has been asleep for ages, and he has got better things to do than to worry about your bottle of wine. No. 14 - Duet PEDRILLO: Vivat Bacchus, Long live Bacchus, Bacchus was a fine fellow. OSMIN: Shall I chance it? Shall I drink it? Can Allah see me? PEDRILLO: What's the use of wavering? Down with it, down with it! Don't delay any longer! OSMIN: (drinks) Now the deed is done, Now I have downed it; I do declare, that's brave! TOGETHER: Three cheers for the girls, The blondes, the brunettes, Three cheers! PEDRILLO: It tastes lovely! OSMIN: It tastes heavenly! TOGETHER: That's what I call a drink for the Gods! Vivat Bacchus, Long live Bacchus, Bacchus who discovered wine! Dialogue PEDRILLO: Truly, there is nothing better than wine! OSMIN: That's true - wine - wine - is a lovely drink; and our great prophet, I hope he won't mind ... Poison and daggers! PEDRILLO: OSMIN: PEDRILLO: OSMIN: PEDRILLO: OSMIN: PEDRILLO: (aside) It is time to be rid of him! (aloud) Come, old chap, let's go to sleep. (takes him up) OSMIN: Sleep? PEDRILLO: Come along, lest the Pasha should surprise us! OSMIN: (leaving) Yes, yes - a bottle - of fine - Pasha - is better - than - anything in the world! Good night ? brother ? good night.? (Pedrillo leads him away and returns immediately.) | |
Scene 9 | |
| Pedrillo, later Belmonte, Constanza, Blonda | |
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| BELMONTE: Has Constanza not yet arrived? PEDRILLO: Here she is. CONSTANZA: Belmonte! BELMONTE: Constanza! (they embrace) CONSTANZA: Happiness brings tears as well! No. 15 - Aria BELMONTE: When tears of joy flow freely, Love kindly smiles upon the lover; To kiss them from her cheeks Is love's highest reward. Oh, Constanza! To behold you! Blissfully and full of delight To hold you close to my faithful heart, Croesus' treasure could not equal it. Were we never to be reunited, Better that we were never to know The bitter pangs of separation. (Dialogue) BELMONTE: I have a ship in readiness nearby; at midnight I will come to your window. Love will be our companion. No. 16 - Quartet CONSTANZA: Ah, Belmonte, my beloved! BELMONTE: Ah, Constanza, my beloved! CONSTANZA: Can it be? What rapture! To hold you close to my heart After so many days of unhappiness! BELMONTE: What bliss to find you! Now all gnef must vanish! Oh how my heart rejoices! CONSTANZA: See how my tears of joy flow freely. BELMONTE: Angel! Let me kiss them from your cheek. CONSTANZA: Let them be the last ones. BELMONTE: Indeed, you shall be free this very day. PEDRLLLO: Now, Blonda, have you understood? Everything is prepared for flight. We will be here on the stroke of midnight. BLONDA: Don't worry, all will be ready, I shall count the minutes; If only the moment were here already! ALL FOUR TOGETHER: At last the sun of hope Illuminates the gloomy skies. Full of rapture, joy and bliss We can see the end of our suffering. BELMONTE: Yet, in spite of my happiness My heart within my breast Is full of secret care. CONSTANZA: What is it, dearest? Tell me, Quickly, explain yourself. Conceal nothing from me! BELMONTE: They say ? they say ? that you ... (regards Constanza silently and anxiously) CONSTANZA: Go on! (regards Belmonte silently and anxiously) PEDRLLLO: (indicating that he risks being hanged) But Blonda, oh that ladder! Are you really worth it? BLONDA: You fool, have you gone mad? It might be better If you had turned the question round! PEDRLLLO: But Master Osmin?? BLONDA: Let's hear it! CONSTANZA: Will you not explain yourself? BELMONTE: They say?? PEDRLLLO: But Master Osmin?? BELMONTE: That you?? PEDRLLLO: But Master Osmin?? BLONDA: Let's hear it! CONSTANZA: Go on?? Will you not explain yourself? BELMONTE: I will. But do not be angry If, having heard a rumour, I should dare to ask you In fear and trembling Whether you love the Pasha? PEDRLLLO: (to Blonda) Has Master Osmin never, As one might well believe, Exercised his lordly rights Upon you as your owner? That would a poor bargain! CONSTANZA: (to Belmonte) Oh, how you grieve me! (She weeps) BLONDA: (to Pedrillo) Here's my reply to you! (slaps Pedrillo's face) PEDRLLLO: (rubbing his cheek) Now I am in the picture. BELMONTE: (on his knees) Constanza, oh forgive me! BLONDA: (angrily walking away from Pedrillo) You don't deserve me at all! CONSTANZA: (sighing as she turns away from Belmonte) Have I remained faithful to you? BLONDA: (to Constanza) The rogue has dared to ask Whether I have remained true to him! CONSTANZA: (to Blonda) And Belmont has been told That I love the Pasha! PEDRLLLO: (rubbing his cheek) I'd take my dying oath On Blonda's fidelity! BELMONTE: (to Pedrillo) Constanza is true to me, There can be no doubt about it. CONSTANZA - BLONDA: When men become suspicious And have no faith in our honour, And look upon us with mistrust, It is not to be borne. BELMONTE - PEDRLLLO: When women are aggrieved Because we think them fickle, Then they are really true And free from all reproaches. PEDRLLLO: Dearest Blonda do forgive me! Look, I put more faith in your fidelity Than upon m own head! BLONDA: No, you can't get away with it. Suspecting me of doing that With that foolish old buffer! BELMONTE: Oh, Constanza, my beloved! Can you ever forgive me For having asked such a question? CONSTANZA: Belmonte! How could you believe That anyone could steal this heart Which beats for you alone? BELMONTE - PEDRLLLO: Oh, forgive me! PEDRILLO - BELMONTE: I am repentant! CONSTANZA - BLONDA: I forgive Your remorse. ALL FOUR: Well, let this be the end of the matter! Long live love Let us value nothing else! Let nothing kindle The fire of jealousy. (all off) | |
Act 3Top Act 2 | |
Scene 1 | |
| Pedrillo, Klaas | |
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Scene 2 | |
| Contains only dialogue and are often omitted. | |
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Scene 3 | |
| Belmonte alone | |
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| (Dialogue) BELMONTE: Oh, Constanza! How my heart is beating! The nearer the moment approaches, the more anxious my soul becomes. Love, be my guide! No. 17 - Aria BELMONTE: Oh love, I build upon your strength, I rely upon your power; Consider what works Have been achieved by you! What all the world thinks impossible | |
Scene 4 | |
| Belmonte and Pedrillo | |
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| (Dialogue) PEDRILLO: Everyone is asleep. (looks at the clock) Go and keep a sharp look?out, so that we shan't be caught. (taking up his mandolin) Courage is the most foolish thing in the world. If you haven't got it, nothing will give it to you. My father must have been the greatest coward ever. (He starts to play) Nothing venture, nothing win! No. 18 - Romance PEDRILLO: In Moorish lands imprisoned lay A girl, pretty and delicate; Rosy cheeks, white skin, black hair, She sighed day and night, she even wept, Longing to be rescued. Then came from foreign lands A young knight Who took pity on the maiden. Hey, he cried, I'll risk my life and honour If only I can rescue her. PEDRILLO: So far so good; nothing is stirring. BELMONTE: (comes forward) That is enough, Pedrillo. PEDRILLO: It's not my fault that they have still not shown themselves. We must try again. Just stay at your post. BELMONTE: (off again) PEDRILLO: I'll come to you at dead of night, Dearest, let me in quickly; I fear neither padlocks nor watchmen, Heigho, take heed, at midnight You shall be saved. No sooner said than done, one the stroke Of midnight the brave knight was there; Gently she gave him her white hand, Next morning her cell was found to be empty; She was gone, up and away! (Dialogue) PEDRILLO: (as Constanza opens her window) She's opening up, Sir, she's opening up! (Pedrillo places the ladder under the window; Belmonte climbs in. Belmonte and Constanza emerge from the door.) CONSTANZA: How anxiously my heart is beating! If only we can escape safely. PEDRILLO: Away, quickly! No chatting now! (Belmonte and Constanze off) Blonda, Blonda! Hurry up, for heaven's sake! (He climbs into her window.) | |
Scene 5 | |
| Osmin, a black mute | |
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| OSMIN: Poison and daggers, what's this? Thieves! Murderers! (He sits down on the bottom rung of the ladder and starts to sleep. The mute departs.) BLONDA: (looks out of the window) Heavens above, Pedrillo! We are lost. (Pedrillo comes out of the door with Blonda; they tiptoe away. Some guards escort Pedrillo and Blonda back.) OSMIN: Do my eyes deceive me? You two? Just you wait, you rascally Pedrillo. Your head must part company from your shoulders, as sure as I am a Muslim. (Some more guards bring Belmonte and Constanza.) BELMONTE: (struggling) Wretches, let go of me! OSMIN: Did the architect want to take a stroll as well? BELMONTE: Here is a purse full of cold coins, it is yours if you let me go. OSMIN: I do believe you are out of your mind! We do not need your money, we will get that anyway; we want your heads. (The guards lead Belmonte and Constanza away together with Pedrillo and Blonda.) No. 19 - Aria OSMIN: Oh, how I shall triumph When they conduct you to the place of execution And put the garrotte round your throats! I shall gambol, laugh and jump about And sing a song of delight, Since I am rid of you at last. No matter how softly and carefully you prowl, You confounded harem mice, Our ear is bound to detect you! And ere you can escape us You find yourselves caught in our snares And will get your just deserts. Oh, how I shall triumph ... | |
Scene 6 | |
| The Pasha's apartments Selim with his attendants, later Osmin, Belmonte, Constanza and guards | |
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| (Dialogue) SELIM: What is it, Osmin? What is the meaning of this commotion? OSMIN: My Lord, the most scandalous treachery in your palace? SELIM: Treachery? OSMIN: The fine architect has ? abducted your lovely Constanza. (Belmonte and Constanza are led in by the guard.) SELIM: Traitor! Can it be true? And you, false siren? Is this how you abu sed the indulgence which I showed you, in order to deceive me? CONSTANZA: It is true, Sir, that I am culpable in your eyes. But this is my belo ved. I will gladly embrace death, but spare his life! SELIM: Impudent woman, you dare to beg for mercy for him? CONSTANZA: I dare more: to die for him! BELMONTE: Pasha! Never before have I humbled myself to beg. But behold, I lie at your feet and ask for your mercy. I am the scion of a great Spanish family. My name is Lostados. SELIM: (surprised) What do I hear? Do you know the Commandant of Oran? BELMONTE: He is my father. SELIM: Your father? What blessed day! To have the son of my worst enemy in my power! Listen, wretch! It is because of your father, that barbarian, that I had to leave my country. His implacable greed robbed me of my beloved, whom I treasured more than life itself. He deprived me of an honourable position, of my property, of everything. In a word, he ruined my whole happiness. And now I have this man's only son in my power. Tell me, if he were in my position, what would he do? BELMONTE: (quite despondent) My fate would be deplorable indeed. SELIM: And so it shall be. As he treated me, so I shall treat you. (exit with Osmin) | |
Scene 7 | |
| Belmonte and Constanza | |
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| No. 20 - Recitative and Duet BELMONTE: What cruel fate! What grief! Has everything conspired against me? Oh, Constanza! Through my fault you are in peril! What agony! CONSTANZA: Beloved, do not let it trouble you. What is death? It leads to peace. And furthermore, by your side, It is a foretaste of bliss. BELMONTE: Angelic being! What sweet perfection! You bring comfort to my distracted heart. You ease the mortal pain, And I, alas, take you into the grave with me. You must die on my behalf! O, Constanza, how dare I Lift my eyes to you? I am the cause of your death! CONSTANZA: Belmont, you die because of me! It is I who brought about your ruin, And should I not die with you? This precept is bliss for me. TOGETHER: Noble soul, to live for you Is my desire and all I strove for. Without you, to live on in this world Brings me nothing but pain. BELMONTE: Gladly will I suffer everything, CONSTANZA: Peacefully and joyfully will I die, TOGETHER: Because you will be by my side. For you beloved, I would gladly give my life. Oh what delight! To die with the beloved Is enchanted bliss! With radiant looks We shall depart this world. | |
Scene 8 | |
| Constanza, Belmonte, Pedrillo, Blonda, Pasha, Osmin (gleeful) and attendants. | |
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| (Dialogue) SELIM: Are you trembling? Are you ready to receive your sentence? BELMONTE: Yes, Pasha. Take your revenge upon me, expunge the wrongs that my father committed against you.? SELIM: You are mistaken. I despised your father far too much ever to follow in his footsteps. Take your freedom, take Constanza, tell your father that you were in my power, that I released you so that you might tell him that it is a far greater pleasure to repay injustices suffered by good deeds than to compensate evil by more evil. CONSTANZA: Lord, forgive me! Until now I valued ... your noble soul, but now I admire … SELIM: Enough! I hope that, in return for the deceipt that you practi ced upon me, you should never regret that you rejected my love. (turns to leave) PEDRILLO: (falls at his feet) My Lord! Dare we two wretches also implore you to be lenient? OSMIN: No lenience for him! He has deserved death a thousand times. SELIM: Then let him find it in his own country. (to the guards) Conduct all of them to their ship. OSMIN: What! Is he to take my Blonda away as well? SELIM: (jovially) Old fellow - calm yourself. Those whom one cannot win over by kindness one has to get rid of. No. 21a - Vaudeville BELMONTE: Never will I forget your benevolence; For ever shall I sing your praises. In every place, at every time I shall proclaim you great and noble. CONSTANZA - BELMONTE - PEDRILLO - BLONDA - OSMIN: Anyone who can forget such graciousness Deserves to be looked upon with scorn. CONSTANZA: Never, even while rejoicing in love, Shall I forget what gratitude commands; My heart, devoted to love from now on, Feels emotions inspired by gratitude as well. CONSTANZA - BELMONTE - PEDRILLO - BLONDA - OSMIN: Anyone who can forget such graciousness Deserves to be looked upon with scorn. PEDRILLO: If ever I were to forget How close I came to being strangled, And all the other perils? I'd run as though my head were on fire. CONSTANZA - BELMONTE - PEDRILLO - BLONDA - OSMIN: Anyone who can forget such graciousness Deserves to be looked upon with scorn. BLONDA: My Lord Pasha, full of joy I thank you Most heartily for board and lodging. But I am truly glad That you allow me to depart from here. (pointing to Osmin) Just look upon that beast there, Is that to be endured? OSMIN: These dogs, we ought to burn them, Who tricked us so shamefully! I can bear it no longer; My tongue is almost paralysed Through not being able to order their reward: First you'll be beheaded, Then you'll be hanged, Then impaled On red?hot spikes, Then burned, Then manacled And drowned; Finally flayed alive. (runs off in a rage) CONSTANZA - BELMONTE - BLONDA - PEDRILLO: Nothing is as loathsome as revenge; But to be humane and kind And to forgive without self?interest – Only a great soul is capable of that. Anyone who can forget such graciousness Deserves to be looked upon with scorn. No. 21b – Chorus CHORUS OF JANISSARIES: Long live Pasha Selim! Let him be honoured! Let his exalted brow be wreathed With rejoicing and renown. |