When "Lucrezia Borgia" was produced in Paris, in 1840, Victor Hugo, author of the drama upon which the libretto is based, objected. The French have long gone much further than we do in protecting the property rights of authors and artists in their creations. The producers of the opera were obliged to have the libretto rewritten. The title was changed to "La Rinegata" and the scene was transferred to Turkey.
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR
Opera in three acts, by Donizetti; words by Salvatore Cammarano, after Scott's novel, "The Bride of Lammermoor." Produced, San Carlo Theatre, Naples, September 26, 1835, with Persiani as Lucia, and Duprez as Edgardo, the rôles having been especially composed for these artists. London, Her Majesty's Theatre, April 5, 1838, and, in English, at the Princess Theatre, January 19, 1848. Paris, 1839. New York in English, at the Park Theatre, November 17, 1845; and, in Italian, November 14, 1849. Among celebrated Lucias heard in this country, are Patti, Gerster, Melba, Sembrich, Tetrazzini and Galli-Curci (Chicago, November 21, 1916); among Edgardos, Italo Campanini and Caruso.
Characters
| Lord Henry Ashton, of Lammermoor | Baritone |
| Lucy, his sister | Soprano |
| Edgar, Master of Ravenswood | Tenor |
| Lord Arthur Bucklaw | Tenor |
| Raymond, chaplain at Lammermoor | Bass |
| Alice, companion to Lucy | Mezzo-Soprano |
| Norman, follower of Lord Ashton | Tenor |
Relatives, Retainers, and Friends of the House of Lammermoor.
Time—About 1700.
Place—Scotland.
(Note. The characters in Italian are Enrico, Lucia, Edgardo, Arturo, Raimondo, Alisa, and Normanno.)