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1939 - The Gondoliers

The Story of the Opera

Act 1
On the Piazzetta at Venice a charming group of contadine are singing to the " Roses white and roses red," Gondoliers steal unobserved into their midst. The Gondolier, Antonio, sings of the merry life of the Gondoliers when Marco and Giuseppe arrive to choose their brides. The choosing is an embarrasing problem, and Marco suggests that he and Giuseppe be blindfolded, with the result that the former captures Gianetta, whilst Tessa falls to the lot of his brother. Drums and music herald the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Plaza-Toro, the daughter, Casilda, and Luiz, their attendant. Sending Luiz to the Grand Inquisitor to announce their presence, the Duke unfolds to his daughter the secret of her marriage by proxy to the infant son of the King of Barataria, who was removed from the influence of his father by the Grand Inquisitor. Owing to the King having been killed the Prince would now succeed to the throne, and the Grand Inquisitor would be able to find Casilda's royal husband. This dismays Casilda who is in love with Luiz. A pathetic scene passes between Casilda and Luiz, and Don Alhambra adds to the perplexities when he tells them the Prince has been brought up with the son of a Gondolier, since dead; therefore it is difficult to tell which of the two was his offspring and which was the royal stripling. As brothers, the children had adopted the calling of Gondoliers in the persons of Marco and Giuseppe. Don Alhambra declares that one of the husbands is a King, and that they must reign jointly.
Act 2
The dual Kings are seen seated on their two thrones, surrounded by their old friends dressed as courtiers, enjoying themselves. Only the Kings are at work. To the delight of the ex-Gondoliers, the contadine at great risk have crossed the main and brought Tessa and Gianetta with them, and husbands and wives are re-united. During the cachucha Don Alhambra again appears, and declares that the dual monarchy cannot continue. He announces how that one them was married to Casilda in infancy, and that the Queen and her parents are on their way to the court to claim her husband. Gianetta and Tessa have heard this conversation from behind, and Don Alhambra leaves them endeavouring to comb out the entangled situation. The Duke and Duchess, with Casilda, now arrive. Marco and Giuseppe are introduced, but the Duke takes exception to the inadequate reception he has received. Casilda informs them that she is in love with somebody else. Gianetta and Tessa appear on the scene as their husbands return their compliments to Casilda, by telling her that they are both married. Their troubles are nearly over, however, for Don Alhambra has brought the old nurse Inez, who explains that when traitors came to steal the young Prince she substituted her own son, revealing the King's identity in none other than Luiz, the Duke's drummer and Casilda's lover. Already married to her, Luiz leads Casilda to the throne, whilst the Gondolier Kings return with delight to their wives - and their original occupation.