Norma (opera)

Norma is an opera in two acts by Vincenzo Bellini with libretto by Felice Romani. It was first produced at La Scala on December 26, 1831.

Plot synopsis

Act I. The grove. A secret love unites the seeress Norma with Pollione, the Roman proconsul, by whom she has borne two children. Pollione had loved the priestess Adalgisa before he knew Norma, but has not seen her for some time. When he finds her in the temple of Irmin his love for her returns, and they resolve to fly together. Adalgisa innocently tells Norma of her love, and the seeress curses Pollione for his treachery.

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Act II. Norma’s apartment. She is about to kill her children, but through maternal pity finally confides them to the care of Adalgisa. When Pollione comes to take Adalgisa from the temple, Norma denounces him and he is seized by the Druids, after having refused to give up Adalgisa. Norma proclaims herself equally guilty with him. The funeral pyre is lighted, and ascending it, Norma dies with her lover.

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