Adriana Lecouvreur

Adriana Lecouvreur (Cilea). Libretto by Arturo Colautti; 4 acts; first performance Milan 1902, conducted by Cleofonte Campanini.

Paris, 1730: The actress Adriana Lecouvreur tells director Michonnet that her feelings are for the cavalier Maurizio who, unknown to her, is the Count of Saxony. Maurizio comes to see her and she gives him a bunch of violets. The Prince de Bouillon intercepts a note from his wife, making an assignation with Maurizio. The Princess de Bouillon is jealous that Maurizio may love another woman. He gives her the violets. Maurizio asks Adriana to help the Princess avoid being caught by her husband. The two women each suspect the other of being her rival for Maurizio's love. The Princess recognizes Adriana's voice and shows her the violets. In retaliation, Adriana alludes to the Princess's promiscuity. On her birthday, Adriana receives a box of violets, which she hopes are from Maurizio. But they are from the Princess, and are soaked in poison. Adriana dies.