The Abduction from the Seraglio

Die Entführung aus dem Serail (in English The Abduction from the Seraglio) is a comic opera in three acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Libretto by Lentzner. Adapted by Stephanie. First produced at the command of Joseph II in 1782 at the National Theatre at Vienna. This opera is the first real German opera, as former works were mostly imitations and translations of foreign productions.

Plot

Place, the country house of the Bassa.

Time, the sixteenth century.

ACT I. Belmonte seeks everywhere his betrothed, Konstanze, who with her attendant Blondchen has fallen into the hands of Selim Bassa. (Aria: "Here shall I see you, Konstanze, you my hope.") When Osmin Bassa's servant comes to pluck figs in the garden Belmonte retires. (Aria: "Who a love has found.") Belmonte returns to obtain news of his servant, Pedrillo. (Duet: "Confounded be you and your song.") Osmin is angry. ("Such ragamuffins.") Belmonte hears news of Pedrillo and resolves to abduct Konstanze. (Aria: "Konstanze, Konstanze, to see thee again"; chorus: "Sing to the great Bassa.") Selim presently appears with Konstanze, for whose love he strives in vain. (Aria of Konstanze: "0 forgive! Oh, I loved-") Upon the recommendation of Pedrillo, the Bassa engages Belmonte as builder, but Osmin refuses him access to the palace. (Terzett: "March! March! March!")

ACT II. Blondchen repulses the rough lovemaking of Osmin. (Aria: "By tenderness and flattery.") After a duet ("I go, but counsel thee to avoid the villain Pedrillo"), Osmin departs. Konstanze greets Blöndehen in distress (Aria: "Sorrow is my lot"), informing her that Selim demands her love and threatens to use force. (Aria: "This also will I bear.") When she has gone, Pedrillo comes to Blöndchen, who is his sweetheart, and informs her that Belmonte is near and that all is ready for flight. Blönd­ehen is filled with joy. (Aria: "What happiness, what delight.") Pedrillo invites Osmin to drink, hoping that he will become intoxicated. (Aria: "On to the combat" and duet: "Vivat Bacchus! may Bacchus live!") He succeeds in this plan and gets Osmin out of the way so that Belmonte again sees his beloved Konstanze. (Quartet, Belmonte, Konstanze, Pedrillo, Blöndehen: "Oh, Belmonte, oh my life.")

ACT III. - Belmonte and Pedrillo come to the garden with ladders. (Aria, Belmonte: "When the tears of joy do fall"; Romanze, Pedrillo: "Captive in the land of the Moors.") Belmonte succeeds in abducting Konstanze, but when Pedrillo is about to escape with Blöndchen, they are caught by Osmin (Aria: "Ho, how I will triumph"), and Belmonte and Konstanze are also brought back by the guard. Selim Bassa, who recognises in Belmonte the son of an enemy, is about to order their death. (Duet: "Oh what a fate, oh soul's misery.") His heart, however, is touched by their sorrow; he forgives, and all are set at liberty. (Finale: "Never will I thy kindness forget.")

References and external links: Plot taken from The Opera Goer's Complete Guide by Leo Melitz, 1921 version.