Verbum nobile (The word of a nobleman) is a one-act comic opera by Polish national composer Stanisław Moniuszko written to a libretto by Jan Chęciński, and set in 18th century Poland before foreign partitions of the country. It was first performed at the Teatr Wielki, Warsaw, on 1 January 1861 to instant popularity.[1]
| Verbum nobile | |
|---|---|
| Comic opera by Stanisław Moniuszko | |
 The composer | |
| Native title | Verbum nobile |
| Librettist | Jan Chęciński |
| Language | Polish |
| Premiere | 1 January 1861 |
Roles
edit| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 1861 (Conductor: - ) |
|---|---|---|
| Serwacy Łagoda | bass | |
| Zuzia, (his daughter) | soprano | |
| Marcin Pakula | baritone | |
| Michal (his son) | baritone | |
| Bartolomiej, Marcin's servant | bass |
Synopsis
editThe plot is a rehash of a familiar operatic theme. Zuzia and Michal are promised to each other by their parents, without their having met; they meet accidentally and fall in love. Michal, having given his name as Stanisław, is refused Zusia's hand by her father, who has given his word to Serwacy, Michal's father, on the betrothal. All is explained, preventing a duel between Marcin and Serwacy, and the marriage can go ahead.
Recordings
edit- Poznań Opera conducted by Robert Satanowski, MUSA PND 247 (1993)
- Verbum Nobile Aleksander Teliga, Leszek Skrla, Aleksandra Buczek, Michal Partyka, Janusz Lewandowski, Orkiestra Opery na Zamku, Warcislaw Kunc. Dux 2013
Notes and references
edit- ^ P.T.I. (2013). "Verbum Nobile by Stanislaw Moniuszko". Polish Theatre Institute, USA. Retrieved February 18, 2013.