We’re turning to a 19th century opera from the British Isles, and it’s not by Gilbert and Sullivan, on this week’s Sunday Opera (3/22 3:00 p.m.).This time, it’s by Irish composer William Vincent Wallace, and it’s the story of the water Nymph Lurline and her love for the mortal Count Rupert.
Lurline (Sally Silver) has to go to some drastic ends to secure Rupert’s Keith Lewis) love. She must convince her father of her love, King Rhineberg (David Soar) and fend off the advances of Baron Truenfel’s (Donald Maxwell) daughter Ghiva (Fiona Janes) who believes Rupert’s wealth will help their circumstances. However, Rupert is rather extravagant and has no money, so the irony is that both are trying to secure wealth which neither have.After finding this out, Ghiva breaks off the engagement.
Lurline uses a magic ring that allows Rupert to breath underwater as she takes him to her palace under the Rhine. Not only does it allow him to breathe, it also makes him immediately fall in love with her. Even though Rupert is initially happy with Lurline, he misses his friends, so Lurline gives him some of her treasure and he returns to the surface where Ghiva, who’s decided she now wants to marry him since he has treasure, is waiting.
Rupert returns to his old ways and forgets about Lurline. However, his “friends” decide to murder him for his treasure, and Lurline sends her spirits to save him. Rupert returns to her palace, and they live happily ever after (as far as the fairytale goes).
The recording to which we’ll be listening is a performance edition by its conductor, Richard Bonynge who is leading the Victorian Opera Orchestra and Chorus. The cast includes Paul Ferris, Roderick Earle, and Bernadette Cullen.
We’ll complete the afternoon with more music from two of Wallace’s other operas, an imaginary ballet by Australian-American Percy Grainger entitled “The Warriors,” and Sir Charles Parry’s wonderful Second Symphony.
It’s an afternoon of gorgeous music and happy endings.
