Romance is a timeless theme often seen in opera, and love triangles are a particular favourite. This Spring, we return our beloved production of The Marriage of Figaro to stages across England and Wales, a tale of love, loyalty and mistaken identities with a love triangle at its core. Mozart’s opera sees Count Almaviva wishing to bed his servant, Susanna. However, her fiancé Figaro is determined to outwit him. As we look forward to the trials and tribulations in The Marriage of Figaro, we’ve explored some other love triangles in opera, not all of which are as lighthearted as in Mozart’s opera.
Bitzet Carmen
Carmen is a tragic story with a strong female character who becomes part of a fiery love triangle. The title character is involved with two men; Don José, the soldier who becomes obsessed with her, and Escamillo, the dashing bullfighter who captures her attention.Carmen’s shifting affections drive Don Josémadresulting in him murdering Carmen for her love of Escamillo.
Puccini Tosca
Tosca’s love triangle is anything but lighthearted. In Puccini’s dramatic opera, the singer Tosca is caught between her lover Cavaradossi and the brutal police chief, Scarpia. Scarpia desires Tosca and uses his power to manipulate her into giving in to his advances, threatening Cavaradossi’s life if she refuses, and Tosca’s love for Cavaradossi forces her to take desperate actions that end in tragedy. The opera shows the dark, powerful side of love, where obsession, manipulation, and betrayal collide.
Bellini Norma
Bellini’s Norma is an opera where love and betrayal intertwine in a heart-wrenching love triangle. Norma, a high priestess of the Druids, is secretly in love with Pollione, a Roman proconsul. However, Pollione is also in love with Adalgisa, a younger priestess. When Norma discovers Pollione’s betrayal, she is torn between love for him and her duty to her people. The dramatic tension escalates as Norma faces the impossible choice of sacrificing her love or her honour. This tragic opera delves into themes of duty, sacrifice, and the devastating effects of love and jealousy.
Dvořák Rusalka
Dvořák’s Rusalka is a tragic tale of unrequited love and transformation. The water nymph Rusalka falls in love with a human prince and wishes to become human to be with him. However, her love is not returned in the way she hopes, as the prince marries another woman, the foreign princess. Rusalka’s longing and heartbreak grow throughout the opera, leading to tragic consequences. The opera’s portrayal of love, betrayal, and sacrifice is amplified by its lush, atmospheric music, making Rusalka’s unfulfilled love even more poignant.
Puccini Madam Butterfly
Madam Butterfly is one of the most tragic love triangles in opera. The young Japanese geisha ‘Butterfly’ marries the American naval Lieutenant Pinkerton. However, when Pinkerton abandons her and marries another woman, Butterfly remains devoted, waiting for his return. When she finally discovers the truth, the heartbreak is too much to bear, and she takes her own life.
Love triangles in opera have captivated audiences for centuries, whether through comedy such as in The Marriage of Figaro or more tragic circumstances like Madam Butterfly and Carmen. Join us for Mozart’s light-hearted, classic opera this Spring 2025 Season, a whirlwind of 18th century social intricacies with charm and humour, and clever schemes that will keep you guessing until the final note.
