Synopses
Beatrice and Benedict synopsis
Music by Hector Berlioz
Libretto by the composer after Shakespeare
First performed: 1862
Act One
(n/a) The war is over. Benedict and Claudio returns with Don Pedro’s forces from a victorious campaign on behalf of Leonato, Governor of Messina. As part of the celebrations, the wedding of Hero, Leonato’s daughter, to Claudio is announced for that evening. Meanwhile Beatrice, Leonato’s niece, resumes her sparing relationship with Benedict. He beats his friends that he will remain a bachelor; they, in turn, resolve to trick Beatrice and Benedict into thinking that one is in love with the other. Somarone, a composer, rehearses a hymn he has written for the wedding that night. Evening falls, the party has begun; Beatrice decides to be in love and Hero nervously awaits her marriage.
Act Two
(n/a) The same evening. Celebrations are in full swing. Beatrice decides to love Benedict, but when they meet they still cannot admit their love. When a second contract appears at the marriage ceremony they finally agree to be married.
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