144

Bella siccome un angelo

DON PASQUALE

Gaetano Donizetti
(1797-1848)

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 145

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146

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 147
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Bella siccome un angelo Gaetano Donizetti
Don Pasquale
Aria Research:
Name of Aria: Bella siccome un angelo
Opera/Oratorio it is from: Don Pasquale
Composer: Gaetano Donizetti
Librettist: Giovanni Ruffini
Year composed: 1810
Name of Character: Dr. Malatesta
Vocal type: Lyric Baritone
Age Range: 30-35
Events prior to the Aria:

Don Pasquale is planning to punish his rebellious nephew, Ernesto. He intends to find a bride

and produce an heir that will get his estate and cut Ernesto from his inheritance. Dr. Malatesta, who has

called on Don Pasquale, suggests that he marry his sister.

Emotions expressed by the Aria:

Excitement, Sensuousness, Victorious

Plot summary of the Opera/Oratorio (use back of page if needed)

Act 1

Don Pasquale, an old bachelor, wants to marry in order to keep his nephew Ernesto from

gaining his inheritance. Dr. Malatesta suggests to Don Pasquale that he marry Malatesta’s sister. Don

Pasquale agrees to arrange a meeting at once, and urges Malatesta away to get his sister. Ernesto learns

of Don Pasquale’s plans to marry after he turns down another woman of his uncles choosing. Pasquale

informs him that he will have to leave the house, and that he is to be married. Ernesto, seeing his

dreams of inheritance dashed, learns it was his friend Dr. Malatesta who arranged the meeting who is

found gloating over the young man’s predicament.

 On her terrace, Norina is found reading a cheap romance. Becoming distraught over a farewell

letter from Ernesto, Norina is cheered up at the arrival of Dr. Malatesta. He suggest that she

impersonate his sister, marry Pasquale, and then drive him to a level of madness that he will fall to their

every whim. Norina accepts her role, and agrees that she will act as a convent-bred simpleton as the two

practice her motions.

Act 2

In Pasquale’s living room, Ernesto laments his loss of Norina. Once Pasquale arrives to meet his

soon-to-be bride, Ernesto leaves. Pasquale is enchanted by Malatesta’s sister “Sofronia,” and agrees to

marry her at once. At the wedding ceremony, Ernesto interrupts accusing Norina of faithlessness.

Malatesta brings Ernesto to the side and explains the plot. Ernesto agrees and plays witness to the fake

wedding. No sooner has the wedding ended than “Sofronia” becomes an excessive strumpet.

Act 3

In the now renovated living room, Pasquale is met by a stack of bills his new “bride” has

accumulated. Pasquale become even more furious when the servants enter with even more purchases,

and resolves to put an end to this and proclaim his rights as husband. Norina enters and informs

Pasquale that she is leaving for the theatre and will be back in time to wake him the next morning. As

she leaves, she drops a letter from an “unknown suitor” which reveals a rendezvous in the garden that

night. Pasquale, now desperate, sends for Malatesta before exiting. Later, Ernesto promises Malatesta

to be in the garden that evening. Alone with Pasquale, Malatesta assures they will catch “Sofronia” in

the act. Pasquale agrees to leave everything to Malatesta.

In the garden that night, Ernesto serenades Norina. When they are interrupted, Ernesto escapes

into the house while Norina plays the blameless wife. Malatesta announces to Pasquale and his bride

that Ernesto has chosen a bride. Norina, still playing the part of wife, exclaims that she will never share
her roof with another woman and threatens to leave which overjoys Pasquale. Ernesto appears, and

receives permission from his Uncle to marry with his inheritance. Norina steps to Ernesto’s side to

Pasquale’s bewilderment. After a small time, Pasquale gives the young couple his blessing, deciding that

marriage is not for someone so old.


Translation & IPA:
Alma innocente, ingenua,
 Soul innocent, naïve,
Bella siccome un angelo
Beautiful as an angel 
Che se medesma ignora.
 That if selfsame disregards.
In terra pellegrino.
On earth (a) pilgrim. 
Modestia impareggiabile
 Modesty incomparable
Fresca siccome un giglio
Fresh as a lily 
Bontá che vinnamora.
 Goodness that you fall in love (with).
Che s'apre sul mattino.
That opens on (at) morning. 
Ai miseri pietosa,
 Too poor pitiful,
Occhio che parla e ride,
Eyes that speak and laugh, 
Gentil, dolce, amorosa!
 Gentle, sweet, loving!
Sguardo che i cor conquide,

Looks that the heart conquers,
Il ciel l'ha fatta nascere
The heavens have made born

Chioma che vince l'ebano, 
Hair that exceeds ebony, Per far beato un cor!
To make blessed a heart!

Sorriso incantator!
Smile enchanting!
 Poetic Translation:

Beautiful as an angel,

a pilgrim on earth.

Fresh as a lily that opens in the morning.

Eyes that flirt and laugh,

Looks that conquer the heart,

Hair darker than ebony,

Enchanting smile!

Such an innocent soul, naïve,

that is selfless and giving.

Incomparable modesty

Goodness which you overcomes with love.

Such a pitiful girl,

Gentle, sweet, and loving!

The heavens have made her

to bless a heart!