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ACT I

Rome, mid-19th century. The old bachelor Don Pasquale plans to marry in order to punish his rebellious nephew, Ernesto, who is in love with the young widow Norina. Pasquale wants an heir so he can cut the young man off without a penny. He consults Dr. Malatesta, who suggests as a bride his own beautiful younger sister. Feeling rejuvenated, the delighted Pasquale asks Malatesta to arrange a meeting at once. Ernesto arrives and again refuses to marry a woman of his uncle鈥檚 choice. Pasquale tells him that he will have to leave the house, then announces his own marriage plans to his astonished nephew. With no inheritance, Ernesto sees his dreams evaporating. To make matters worse, he learns that his friend Malatesta has arranged Pasquale鈥檚 marriage.

On her terrace, Norina laughs over a silly romantic story she鈥檚 reading. She is certain of her own ability to charm a man. Malatesta arrives. He is in fact plotting on her and Ernesto鈥檚 behalf and explains his plan: Norina is to impersonate his (nonexistent) sister, marry Pasquale in a mock ceremony, and drive him to such desperation that he will be at their mercy. Norina is eager to play the role if it will help her and Ernesto to be together.

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ACT II

Ernesto, who knows nothing of Malatesta鈥檚 scheme, is desperate about the apparent loss of Norina and imagines his future as an exile. Pasquale, on the other hand, is impatient to meet his bride-to-be and enchanted when Malatesta introduces the timid 鈥淪ofronia.鈥� Pasquale decides to get married at once. During the wedding ceremony, Ernesto bursts in and accuses Norina of being unfaithful. Malatesta quickly and quietly explains to him what is going on and Ernesto plays witness to the wedding contract. As soon as the document is sealed and Pasquale has signed over his fortune to his bride, Norina changes her act from demure girl to willful shrew. The shocked Pasquale protests, to the delight of Norina, Ernesto, and Malatesta.

ACT III

Pasquale鈥檚 new 鈥渨ife鈥� has continued her extravagant ways and amassed a stack of bills. When servants arrive carrying more purchases, Pasquale furiously resolves to assert his rights as husband. Norina, dressed elegantly for the theater, slap him when he tries to bar her way. He threatens her with divorce, and she realizes she feels sympathy for the old man鈥檚 pain. As she leaves, she drops a letter implying that she has a rendezvous with an unknown suitor in the garden that night. The desperate Pasquale sends for Malatesta. Malatesta first tells Ernesto to make sure that Pasquale will not recognize him when he plays his part in the garden that evening. Then, alone with Pasquale, Malatesta assures him they will trap 鈥淪ofronia鈥� in a compromising situation. Pasquale is happy to leave everything to Malatesta.

In the garden, Ernesto serenades Norina, and the two declare their love. Pasquale and Malatesta arrive鈥攖oo late to catch the young man, who slips into the house, while 鈥淪ofronia鈥� plays the innocent wife. Malatesta then announces that Ernesto is about to introduce his own bride, Norina, into the house. 鈥淪ofronia鈥� protests she will never share the roof with another woman and threatens to leave. Pasquale is overjoyed and grants permission for Ernesto to marry Norina, with his inheritance. When Sofronia鈥檚 identity is finally revealed, Pasquale accepts the situation with good humor, gives the couple his blessing, and joins in observing that marriage is not for an old man.

- With thanks to the Metropolitan Opera, New York.听