Cocktail Party Fact: Lucia is the only one of Donizetti’s non-comic operas to survive the end of the bel canto era. Incidentally, at the end of Walter Scott’s novel, Edgardo doesn’t stab himself, but is engulfed in quicksand.

Here’s the plot: In 17th century Scotland, Lucia and Edgardo pledge their love for one another, in spite of the fact that a feud is going on between their families. Determined to get Lucia to marry Arturo, her brother, Enrico convinces her to do so by means of a forged letter. After the marriage contract is signed, Edgardo arrives on the scene and accuses Lucia of treachery. That evening, having gone mad from grief, Lucia stabs Arturo in the bridal chamber and bursts upon the lingering bridal guests to sing the famous “Mad Scene,” dropping dead after the last high note. Edgardo, meanwhile, is in the churchyard where his ancestors are buried. Upon hearing about Lucia’s death he buries his dagger in his own heart.

Memorable Melodies: “Regnava nel Silenzio”; “Chi mi Frena in tal Momento” (Sextet), “Ardon gli Incensi” (”Mad Scene”).

Vital Statistics: Music by Gaetano Donizetti; libretto by Salvatore Cammarano, based on Walter Scott’s novel The Bride of Lammermoor; first performed at the Teatro San Carlo, Naples, September 26, 1835.

Why See It?: This is the opera that made mad scenes famous. Mad scenes are the ultimate operatic paradox: The heroine has lost her mind, and must get this across to the audience by displaying vocal acrobatics calling for absolute technical control. If you are lucky enough to see a singer vocally and dramatically gifted enough to meet this challenge, the results can be thrilling. The opera is full of wonderful music for all the performers to sink their teeth into. Largely considered a frivolous vocal showpiece for light voiced coloratura sopranos for many years, it was restored to the standard repertoire in the 1950’s due to the dramatically charged performance of Maria Callas in the title role.