Mozart - Die Entführung aus dem Serail Opera (ref.recording: Josef Krips...

SYNOPSIS The opera is set in Turkey, in the grounds of Pasha Selim's palace by the sea. Overture. ACT ONE Belmonte, a young Spanish nobleman, has come in search of his beloved Konstanze, who has been carried off by pirates and sold as a slave to the Pasha, together with her English maid Blonde and Belmonte's savant, Pedrillo. Belmonte is in the square in front of the Palace, and sings of his joy at the prospect of perhaps seeing Konstanze again. But how can he gain access to the palace? Osmin, overseer of the Pasha's palace, an-ives to pick figs. He sings to himself a ditty about the dangers of leaving one's lady-love unattended. Between its verses Belmonte fries to catch his attention. He is eventually told that Pedrillo is there, but there is instant dislike on Belmonte's part and misfrust on Osmin's as he pushes Belmonte off the premises. Pedrillo, who is now in charge of the Pasha's gardens, is routinely insulted by Osmin, and asks what he has done to desave such treatment. Osmin tells him he is sure he is a spy and has designs on the womenfolk; he vows in the name of the Prophet that he will kill him. With a final insult and repeating his bloodthirsty threats, Osmin leaves. Belmonte reappears and is overjoyed to see Pedrillo. The latter recounts his adventures and confirms that Konstanze and Blonde are in fact in the palace. Belmonte has a ship moored in the harbour but Pedrillo says it won't be easy to get the ladies out. When the Pasha retums he will introduce Belmonte and get him taken on as an architect. Pedrillo goes to meet the Pasha. Belmonte sings of his mounting excitement now that he is to be reunited with Konstanze. Pasha Selim and his suite, including Konstanze, arive. Selim, left alone with Konstanze, bewails her continuing sadness and rejection of him, and says he wants her to love him of her own free will. Konstanze laments the loss of her happiness in love, before leaving. Selim says he has given Konstanze enough time: tomorrow she must decide. Pedrillo comes back with Belmonte and duly effects the introduction. Selim agrees to give Belmonte a trial. He leaves, and the enraged Osmin fries to prevent the two Spaniards from entering the palace, eventually without success.