SONNAMBULA, LA

(The Sleep-walker) Composer: VINCENZO BELLINI Book by GIUSEPPE FELICE ROMANI First performance: Teatro Carcano, Milan, March 6, 1831 2 acts. (mina, who will shortly marry Elvino, a wealthy countryman, is addicted to sleepwalking and one night in her sleep walks into the chambers of Rodolfo, who is staying at the inn, and enjoying at the moment Amina arrives the attentions of Lisa, the inn’s mistre . Rodolfo, observing Amina’s condition, courteously leaves the room to her as she lies down in his bed. Lisa, who has been the loser in the competition for Elvino, spreads the news that Amina has been indiscreet with Rodolfo. A highly curious group, including an incredulous Elvino, come to the inn to see her sleeping in Rodolfo’s bed. Allis resolved in the end when a handkerchief of Liza’s is found in Rodolfo’s room, and when the somnambulism is dramatically proved real as Amino walks a dangerous plank acro the mill wheel, and is awakened by Elvino himself as he takes her in his arms.