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“Don Giovanni” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart libretto (English)
| Contents: Cast; Act One; Act Two |
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Scene One The garden of the Commendatore's house. Night. Introduction (Leporello is seen pacing back and forth in front of the house.) LEPORELLO Night and day I slave for one who does not appreciate it. I put up with wind and rain, eat and sleep badly. I want to be a gentleman and to give up my servitude. No, no, no, no, no, no, I want to give up my servitude. Oh, what a fine gentleman! You stay inside with your lady and I must play the sentinel! Oh, what a fine gentleman, etc. But I think someone is coming! I don't want them to hear me, etc. (He hides. Enter Don Giovanni and Donna Anna; she is clinging to his arm.) DONNA ANNA There's no hope, unless you kill me, that I'll ever let you go! |
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DON GIOVANNI Idiot! You scream in vain. Who I am you'll never know! DONNA ANNA There's no hope, etc. DON GIOVANNI Idiot! etc. LEPORELLO (to himself) What a racket! Heaven, what screams! My master in another scrape. DONNA ANNA Help! Everyone! The betrayer! DON GIOVANNI Keep quiet! Beware my wrath! DONNA ANNA Scoundrel! DON GIOVANNI Fool! DONNA ANNA Scoundrel! DON GIOVANNI Fool! |
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LEPORELLO (to himself) We will see if this rascal will be the ruin of me! DONNA ANNA Help! Everyone! DON GIOVANNI Keep quiet! DONNA ANNA Like a desperate fury I'll know how to pursue you! etc. Scoundrel! Help! Everyone! Like a desperate fury, etc. DON GIOVANNI This desperate fury is aimed at destroying me! etc. Fool! Keep quiet! This desperate fury, etc. LEPORELLO (to himself) What a racket! Heavens, what screams! We will see if this rascal, etc. (Donna Anna, hearing the voice of the Commendatore, goes into the house.) COMMENDATORE Leave her alone, wretch, and defend yourself. DON GIOVANNI Go away! I disdain to fight with you. |
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COMMENDATORE Thus you think to escape me? LEPORELLO (to himself) If I could only get out of here! DON GIOVANNI Go away! I disdain you! COMMENDATORE Thus you think to escape me? LEPORELLO (to himself) If I could only get out of here! COMMENDATORE Fight! DON GIOVANNI So be it, if you want to die! (They fight. The Commendatore is mortally wounded.) COMMENDATORE Help! I've been betrayed! The assassin has wounded me! And from my heaving breast I see my soul escaping, etc. DON GIOVANNI Ah, already the wretch has fallen, and he gasps for air. From his heaving breast I already see his soul escaping, etc. |
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LEPORELLO What a misdeed! What a crime! I can feel my heart beating hard from fright! I don't know what to do or say, etc. (The Commendatore dies.) Recitative DON GIOVANNI Leporello, where are you? LEPORELLO I'm here, unfortunately, and you? DON GIOVANNI Over here. LEPORELLO Who's dead, you or the old man? DON GIOVANNI What an idiotic question! The old man. LEPORELLO Well done! Two misdeeds! First you raped the daughter then murdered the father! DON GIOVANNI It was his own doing: too bad for him. LEPORELLO And Donna Anna, did she ask for it too? |
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DON GIOVANNI Keep quiet and don't bother me. Now come along, unless you're anxious for something for yourself. LEPORELLO I have no desires, sir, and no more to say. (They go out. Enter Donna Anna and Don Ottavio, with servants carrying lights.) Recitative & Duet DONNA ANNA Ah, my father is in danger; let us hurry to help him. DON OTTAVIO I will shed all my blood, if need be. But where is the scoundrel? DONNA ANNA Here... (She sees the body.) But ye gods, what is this horrible sight before me? My father, my dear father! DON OTTAVIO My lady! DONNA ANNA Ah, the assassin killed him! That blood... the wound... his face, the colour of death! He no longer breathes... his limbs are cold. My father! Beloved father! I'm fainting! I'm dying! |
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(She faints.) DON OTTAVIO Help my beloved, friends! Find and bring some smelling salts or some cordial! Do not delay! (The servants depart on their errand.) Donna Anna! My bride! My beloved! She is dying of grief! DONNA ANNA Ah! DON OTTAVIO She is coming to! (The servants return.) Help her up. DONNA ANNA My father! DON OTTAVIO Hide it, remove that object of horror from her gaze. (The servants carry away the body.) My beloved, be consoled! Take heart. DONNA ANNA Go away, cruel man, go away! Let me die, too, now that he is dead, oh God, he who gave me life! |
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DON OTTAVIO Listen, beloved, please listen! Look at me one moment only! Your beloved speaks to you, he who lives only for you! DONNA ANNA It is you - forgive me, my love - my grief, my distress... Ah, where is my father? DON OTTAVIO Your father? Banish, my dear, this bitter memory. You have a husband and father in me. DONNA ANNA Ah, where is my father? DON OTTAVIO Banish, my dear, etc. DONNA ANNA Ah, swear to revenge his blood, if you can. DON OTTAVIO I swear, I swear, I swear it upon your eyes, I swear it upon our love! DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO What an oath, ye gods, what a terrible moment! |
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My hear t is stirred by countless seething emotions, etc. DONNA ANNA Swear to revenge his blood! DON OTTAVIO I swear it upon your eyes, upon our love! DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO What an oath, ye gods! etc. (They go out.) Scene Two A street near an inn. Early morning. Recitative DON GIOVANNI Come on now, hurry up. What do you want? LEPORELLO It's a very important matter. DON GIOVANNI I believe you. LEPORELLO Most impor tant. DON GIOVANNI So much the better. Out with it. LEPORELLO Promise you won't become angry. |
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DON GIOVANNI I swear it on my honour, as long as you don't speak of the Commendatore. LEPORELLO Are we alone? DON GIOVANNI You can see that. LEPORELLO No one can hear us? DON GIOVANNI Come on! LEPORELLO May I tell you everything freely? DON GIOVANNI Yes. LEPORELLO Well then, my dear master, the life you are leading is that of a knave! DON GIOVANNI Rascal, you dare... LEPORELLO And your oath? DON GIOVANNI I know nothing about oaths. Keep quiet or I'll... |
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LEPORELLO I have no more to say, not even a whisper, my dear master. DON GIOVANNI That way we'll remain friends. Now listen, do you know why I am here? LEPORELLO I don't know anything. But since it is nearly dawn, could it be some new conquest? I must know, so I may add it to the list. DON GIOVANNI Go on, but you're a fine one! Then you must know that I love a beautiful lady and I am certain she loves me. I saw and spoke to her. She will come tonight to the villa with me. Quiet! I think I sniff a woman! LEPORELLO (aside) My, what a perfect sense of smell! DON GIOVANNI I think she's attractive. LEPORELLO (aside) And what an eye! DON GIOVANNI Let us hide for a while and see which way the land lies. |
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LEPORELLO (aside) He's already excited! (They hide. Donna Elvira enters.) Aria DONNA ELVIRA Ah, who is there who will tell me where the rascal is whom, to my shame, I loved and who betrayed me? Ah, if I can find the villain and he will not come back to me, I will make a horrible example of him. I will tear out his heart! DON GIOVANNI (to Leporello) Did you hear that? Some beauty abandoned by her lover. DONNA ELVIRA I will make a horrible example of him. I will tear out his heart! DON GIOVANNI (to Leporello) Poor girl! DONNA ELVIRA I will tear out his heart, etc. DON GIOVANNI (to Leporello) Let us try to console her grief. LEPORELLO (aside) Thus he has consoled eighteen hundred. |
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DONNA ELVIRA Ah, who is there who will tell me, etc. DON GIOVANNI (to Leporello) Poor girl! DONNA ELVIRA I will tear his heart out, etc. DON GIOVANNI (to Leporello) Let us try, etc. LEPORELLO (aside) Thus he has consoled, etc. DONNA ELVIRA I will tear his heart out, etc. (Don Giovanni steps forward.) DON GIOVANNI My lady! Recitative DONNA ELVIRA Who's there? DON GIOVANNI Good heavens! What's this? LEPORELLO (a parte) Oh wonderful! Donna Elvira! |
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DONNA ELVIRA Don Giovanni! You here, you monster, you criminal, you pack of lies! LEPORELLO (aside) What becoming titles! It's lucky she knows him well. DON GIOVANNI Come, my dear Donna Elvira, calm yourself. Listen. Let me speak. DONNA ELVIRA What can you say, after so black a deed? You sneaked into my house, and by your artistry, your promises and your sighs, you succeeded in seducing me. I fell in love, oh cruel one, and you declared me your bride. Then contrary to all the laws of ear th and Heaven, after three days you fled Burgos, abandoned me, and left me a prey to remorse and to weeping, perhaps as a punishment for having loved you so much! LEPORELLO (aside) She sounds like a book! DON GIOVANNI Oh, as for that, I had my reasons, didn't I? LEPORELLO Oh yes, and what good reasons! |
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DONNA ELVIRA And what were they, if not your perfidy, your fickleness? But just Heaven wanted me to find you, to carry out its, my vengeance. DON GIOVANNI Come now, be more reasonable! (aside) This woman is a nuisance! (to Elvira) If you don't believe what I say, then believe this gentleman here. LEPORELLO (aside) Anything but the truth. DON GIOVANNI (to Leporello) Go on, tell her. LEPORELLO (aside to Don Giovanni) And what shall I tell her? DON GIOVANNI Yes, yes, tell her anything. DONNA ELVIRA (to Leporello, while Don Giovanni slips away unnoticed by Donna Elvira) All right, but hurry up. LEPORELLO Madam - really - in this world, when it happens that a square is not a circle... |
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DONNA ELVIRA Wretch! Thus you mock my grief? Ah, you - (turning to address Don Giovanni) Good Heavens! The villain has fled! Alas, where could he be? Where? LEPORELLO Oh, let him go. He doesn't deserve to be worried over. DONNA ELVIRA The wretch tricked me, betrayed me... LEPORELLO Calm yourself! You are not, were not and will not be either the first or the last. Look: this fat little book is entirely full of the names of his sweethearts. Each town, each district, each countryside testifies to his affairs with women. Aria My dear lady, this is a list of the beauties my master has loved, a list which I have compiled. Observe, read along with me. In Italy, six hundred and forty; in Germany, two hundred and thirty-one; a hundred in France; in Turkey ninety-one. In Spain already one thousand and three. Among these are peasant girls, maidservants, city girls, countesses, baronesses, |
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marchionesses, princesses, women of every rank, every shape, every age. In Italy six hundred and forty, etc. With blondes it is his habit to praise their kindness; in brunettes, their faithfulness; in the very blonde, their sweetness. In winter he likes fat ones, in summer he likes thin ones. He calls the tall ones majestic. The little ones are always charming. He seduces the old ones for the pleasure of adding to the list. His greatest favourite is the young beginner. It doesn't matter if she's rich, ugly or beautiful; if she is rich, ugly or beautiful. If she wears a petticoat, you know what he does. If she wears a petticoat, etc. (He leaves.) Recitative DONNA ELVIRA These are the tricks the villain has used to betray me; is this the reward the barbarian returns for my love? Ah, I must get revenge for my deceived heart: before he escapes - returns - makes off - I hear only bloody revenge speaking within me, only fury and hate. (She goes off.) |
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Scene Three The open country near Don Giovanni's house. Morning. (Zerlina, Masetto, and peasants are singing and dancing.) Chorus ZERLINA You girls who trifle with love, do not let the time pass you by! If in your breasts your hearts are fluttering, here is the cure, as you can see! Ah! What a joy, what a joy it will be! PEASANT GIRLS Ah! What a joy, what a joy it will be! La la la, etc. MASETTO You light-hearted young men, don't go wandering here and there. A fool's holiday is very short, but for me it has not yet begun. Ah! What a joy, what a joy it will be! PEASANT LADS Ah, what a joy, etc. La la la, etc. ZERLINA, MASETTO Come, my dear, let's enjoy ourselves and sing, dance and play! |
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Come, my dear, let's enjoy ourselves, what a joy, what a joy it will be! etc. What a joy, etc. ALL Ah, what a joy, etc. La la la lera, etc. (Don Giovanni and Leporello enter.) Recitative DON GIOVANNI Well, at last she is gone. Oh look, what handsome young people, and what lovely women! LEPORELLO (aside) Among so many, by my faith there ought to be one for me, too. DON GIOVANNI My dear friends, good morning. Go on enjoying yourselves, go on playing, my good people. Is there a wedding? ZERLINA Yes, sir, and I am the bride. DON GIOVANNI I am happy to hear it. And the groom? MASETTO I am he, at your service. |
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DON GIOVANNI Well spoken. At my service - this is the way a real gentleman talks. LEPORELLO (aside) It's quite enough he should be a good husband. ZERLINA Oh, my Masetto has a very good heart. DON GIOVANNI And I, too, you see. I want to be your friend. Your name? ZERLINA Zerlina. DON GIOVANNI And yours? MASETTO Masetto. DON GIOVANNI Oh, my dear Masetto! And my dear Zerlina! I offer you my protection. (to Leporello, who is flirting with the girls) Leporello, what are you doing there, you rascal? LEPORELLO I, too, dear master, am offering my protection. |
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DON GIOVANNI Hurry, go with them. Take them at once to my villa. See that they are served chocolate, coffee, wines, and hams. Try to keep them all amused; show them the garden, the gallery, the rooms. Be sure that my dear Masetto is made happy. Do you understand? LEPORELLO I understand. Let's go! MASETTO Sir! DON GIOVANNI What is it? MASETTO Zerlina cannot stay here without me. LEPORELLO His Excellency will take your place, and he will know how to fill your shoes. DON GIOVANNI Oh, Zerlina is in the hands of a cavalier. Go on; she and I will come later. ZERLINA Go on, don't worry. I am in the hands of a cavalier. MASETTO And that means? |
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ZERLINA And that means there is nothing to worry about. MASETTO And I, by heaven... DON GIOVANNI Hey there, let's end this bickering! If you don't leave us at once, Masetto, be careful, you'll regret it! (He taps his sword significantly.) Aria MASETTO I understand, yes sir, I do. I bow my head and go away. Since this is the way you want it, I make no objections. No no, no, no objections. After all you are a cavalier, and I really must not doubt you. I am reassured by the kindness which you want to show me. (aside to Zerlina) You nasty little witch! You always were my ruin! (to Leporello) I'm coming, I'm coming. (to Zerlina) Stay here, stay here. It's a very innocent affair! Perhaps this cavalier will make you a lady. |
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You nasty little witch! You always, etc. (He goes out, accompanied by Leporello and the peasants.) Recitative & Duettino DON GIOVANNI At last we are free, my dearest Zerlina, of that boor. Tell me, my dear, didn't I handle it neatly? ZERLINA Sir, he is my husband. DON GIOVANNI Who? That one? Do you suppose an honourable man, a noble cavalier, as I believe myself to be, could permit such a lovely little face, such sweet beauty to be stolen by a clumsy oaf? ZERLINA But, sir, I promised to marry him. DON GIOVANNI That kind of promise means nothing. You were not made to be a peasant girl. Another fate is called for by those roguish eyes, those lovely lips, those slender, perfumed fingers, so soft to the touch and smelling of roses. ZERLINA Ah, but I do not wish... |
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DON GIOVANNI What don't you wish? ZERLINA To be deceived in the end. I know that you cavaliers are only rarely honest and sincere with women. DON GIOVANNI Oh, a mere slander spread by common folk. True nobility can be seen in the honesty of one's eyes. Come now, let's not waste time. I want to marry you on the spot. ZERLINA You? DON GIOVANNI Of course. That little villa there is mine, and there, my jewel, we will be married. There you will give me your hand, there you will tell me "yes". You see, it is not far; Let us leave, my beloved. ZERLINA I'd like to, but yet I would not. My heart trembles a little. It's true I would be happy, but he may just be tricking me. DON GIOVANNI Come, my dearly beloved! |
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ZERLINA I'm sorry for Masetto. DON GIOVANNI I will change your life! ZERLINA Soon I won't be able to resist. DON GIOVANNI Come! Come! There you will give me your hand. ZERLINA I'd like to, but yet I would not. DON GIOVANNI There you will tell me "yes". ZERLINA My heart trembles a little. DON GIOVANNI Let us leave, my beloved. ZERLINA But he may just be tricking me. DON GIOVANNI Come, my dearly beloved! ZERLINA I'm sorry for Masetto. |
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DON GIOVANNI I will change your life. ZERLINA Soon I won't be able to resist. DON GIOVANNI Let us go! ZERLINA Let us go! DON GIOVANNI, ZERLINA Let us go, let us go, my beloved, to soothe the pangs of an innocent love, etc. (Donna Elvira enters.) Recitative DONNA ELVIRA Stop, villain! Heaven willed that I should overhear your lies. I am in time to save this innocent from your dreadful scheming. ZERLINA Poor me! What's this I hear? DON GIOVANNI (aside) Love, come to my aid! (to Donna Elvira) My dear woman, can't you see that I want to enjoy myself? |
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DONNA ELVIRA Enjoy yourself! It's true! Enjoy yourself? I know, cruel one, how you enjoy yourself! ZERLINA But, your lordship, is it true what she is saying? DON GIOVANNI (aside to Zerlina) The poor woman is in love with me, and out of pity I must pretend to love her, for it is my misfortune to have a kind heart. Aria DONNA ELVIRA Ah, flee the traitor! Don't listen to what he says! His lips are lying ones, his eyes deceiving. Learn from my suffering to trust what I say, and let my misfortune make you afraid. Ah, flee! Ah, flee the traitor, etc. Don't listen to what he says, etc. (She leaves with Zerlina.) Recitative & Quartet DON GIOVANNI It seems the devil must be amusing himself at my expense today. Everything is going badly. |
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(Donna Anna and Don Ottavio enter.) DON OTTAVIO Ah now, beloved, that tears are in vain, let us talk of vengeance. Ah, Don Giovanni! DON GIOVANNI (aside) This is all I needed! DONNA ANNA Friend, we find you in time. Do you have a heart, a generous nature? DON GIOVANNI (aside) Now we'll see that the devil will have told her something. (to Donna Anna) What a question! Why? DONNA ANNA We need your friendship. DON GIOVANNI (aside) I breathe again. (to Donna Anna) At your service. My relatives, my parents, this arm, this sword, my possessions, my blood, all I will give to serve you. But, Donna Anna, why do you weep thus? Who was the cruel one who dared to trouble your peace of mind? (Donna Elvira returns.) |
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DONNA ELVIRA Ah, I've found you again, faithless monster! Do not believe, unhappy one, in that faithless heart! The villain has already betrayed me! Now he seeks to betray you. DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO Heavens, what noble bearing, what sweet majesty! Her pallor, her tears fill me with pity! DON GIOVANNI The poor girl is mad, my friends, leave me alone with her, she's mad, my friends. (aside) Perhaps she will calm down. DONNA ELVIRA Ah, do not believe the faithless one! DON GIOVANNI She's mad, pay no attention. DONNA ELVIRA Stay, for Heaven's sake, stay! DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO In whom should we believe? DON GIOVANNI She's mad! |
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DONNA ELVIRA Stay! DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO In whom should we believe? DONNA ELVIRA Ah! Do not believe the faithless one! Stay! DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO, DON GIOVANNI A feeling of strange import... DONNA ELVIRA Scorn, rage, disdain and fear... DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO, DON GIOVANNI ...stir within my breast. DONNA ELVIRA ...stir within my breast. DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO DON GIOVANNI They tell me of this poor woman a hundred things I cannot yet grasp, etc. DONNA ELVIRA They tell me of his betrayer a hundred things I cannot yet grasp, etc. DON OTTAVIO (aside) I will not leave here until I find out the truth. |
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DONNA ANNA (aside) There is no sign of madness in her manner, in her speech. DON GIOVANNI (aside) If I should go, they might suspect something. DONNA ELVIRA From his expression they should be able to estimate his bad character. DON OTTAVIO (to Don Giovanni) So then she - DON GIOVANNI Is a little mad. DONNA ANNA (to Donna Elvira) So then he - DONNA ELVIRA Is a betrayer. DON GIOVANNI Poor woman! DONNA ELVIRA Liar! Liar! Liar! DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO I'm beginning to suspect. |
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DON GIOVANNI (to Donna Elvira) Softly, softly. People are beginning to gather around us. Be a little more prudent, you will become an object of gossip. DONNA ELVIRA (loudly to Don Giovanni) Don't place your hopes there, villain, I have lost my sense of modesty! Your guilt and my situation shall be known to all. Don't place your hopes, etc. DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO (aside) Those whispered undertones, that constant blushing, are all too clear an indication and banish all my doubts, etc. DON GIOVANNI (to Donna Elvira) Softly, softly. People, etc. (Donna Elvira goes off.) Recitative DON GIOVANNI Unfortunate woman! I must follow her. I don't want her to do anything rash. Excuse me, most beautiful Donna Anna. If I may be of service to you I await you in my house. My friends, farewell. (He leaves hurriedly.) |
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Recitative & Aria DONNA ANNA Don Ottavio, I shall die! DON OTTAVIO What is it? DONNA ANNA For pity's sake, help me! DON OTTAVIO My beloved, take hear t! DONNA ANNA O ye gods! O ye gods! That man is my father's murderer! DON OTTAVIO What are you saying? DONNA ANNA There is no doubt about it. The parting words the villain uttered, his whole voice recalled to my heart that worthless creature who, in my apartment... DON OTTAVIO Oh heaven! Is it possible that beneath the sacred cloak of friendship...? But how was it? Tell me about the strange happening. |
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DONNA ANNA It was already quite late when into my rooms, where I unluckily happened to be alone, I saw a man enter, wrapped in a cloak. At first I mistook him for you, but then I realised that I was mistaken. DON OTTAVIO Good Lord! Continue! DONNA ANNA Silently he approached me and tried to embrace me. I tried to free myself but he seized me all the harder. I screamed, but no one came! With one hand he tried to quiet me, and with the other he seized me so hard that I already thought myself lost. DON OTTAVIO The scoundrel! And then? DONNA ANNA Finally my despair, my horror of the deed so strengthened me that by dint of twisting, turning and bending I freed myself of him! DON OTTAVIO Ah me, I breathe again! |
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DONNA ANNA Then I redoubled my screams for help. The felon fled. Quickly I followed him as far as the street in order to catch him, becoming in my turn the pursuer. My father ran out, wanted to learn his identity, and the rascal, who was stronger than the old man, completed his misdeed by murdering him! Now you know who tried to steal my honour from me, who was the betrayer who took my father's life. I ask you for vengeance. Your heart asks for it, too. Remember the wound in the poor man's breast, the ground all around covered with blood, if ever in your heart your just anger weakens. Now you know who tried, etc. I ask you for vengeance, etc. (She leaves.) Recitative & Aria DON OTTAVIO How can I believe that a nobleman could be guilty of so black a crime! Ah, I must get at the truth any way I can. I feel that as a friend and lover my duty is plain: I must either undeceive her or avenge her. |
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Upon her peace of mind mine also depends; what pleases her is what gives me life, what displeases her is what gives me death. If she sighs, then I, too, must sigh. Her anger becomes my own. Her tears belong to me. And there can be no joy for me if she is not happy. Upon her peace of mind, etc. (He leaves.) (Enter Leporello, then Don Giovanni.) Recitative LEPORELLO I must find some way to leave this fine lunatic. There he is now. Look at the indifference with which he comes. DON GIOVANNI Oh, my dear Leporello, is everything going well? LEPORELLO My dear Don Giovanni, everything is going badly. DON GIOVANNI What do you mean, everything is going badly? |
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LEPORELLO I went home, as you told me to, with all those people. DON GIOVANNI Well done! LEPORELLO By chattering, flattery and lies, tricks I picked up from you, I tried to detain them. DON GIOVANNI Bravo! LEPORELLO I told Masetto a thousand lies in order to free his mind of jealous thoughts. DON GIOVANNI Well done, on my oath! LEPORELLO I saw to it that both the men and the women drank. They soon became intoxicated. Some sang, some joked, others continued to drink. At the height of it all, guess who dropped in? DON GIOVANNI Zerlina? LEPORELLO Right! And who was with her? |
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DON GIOVANNI Donna Elvira! LEPORELLO Right! And she said about you - DON GIOVANNI Everything bad she could think of. LEPORELLO Right, on my oath. DON GIOVANNI And what did you do? LEPORELLO I kept quiet. DON GIOVANNI And she? LEPORELLO She went right on screaming. DON GIOVANNI And then you... ? LEPORELLO When I guessed she had finished, I quietly led her out and skilfully locked the door in her face, leaving her alone in the street. |
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DON GIOVANNI Well done, excellently done! The affair could not be going better. You began it, I will finish it. These lusty peasant lasses are too much on my mind. I want to amuse them until night comes. Aria So that the wine may set their heads whirling, go and prepare a wonderful party. If on the way you meet some young lady, try also to bring her along. Let the dancing be spontaneous. They can do the minuet, the gavotte or the waltz, just as you like. And I in the meantime behind the scenes will be flir ting with this one and that one. Ah, to my list tomorrow morning you will have to add at least ten names! etc. (They depart.) |
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Scene Four A garden outside Don Giovanni's house (Zerlina, Masetto and peasants) Recitative ZERLINA Masetto, listen to me. Masetto, I say. MASETTO Don't touch me. ZERLINA Why? MASETTO You ask me why? Cheat! Why should I let a hussy like you touch me? ZERLINA Ah, no! Don't speak that way, cruel man. I don't deserve such treatment from you. MASETTO What? You have the effrontery to make excuses? To remain alone with a man, abandoning me on my wedding day! To shame an honest working man in such a manner! Ah, if it were not for the scandal I would like to - (The peasants leave.) |
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ZERLINA But if I am not to blame? If I have been tricked by him? And then, what do you fear? Calm yourself, my love; he did not touch even the tips of my fingers. You don't believe it? Ungrateful one! Come here! Vent your anger! Kill me! Do everything you want to me, but afterwards, my Masetto, let us make peace. Aria Beat me, beat me, my Masetto, beat your poor Zerlina. I'll stay here like a lamb and await your every blow. Beat me, beat me, etc. I'll let you pull my hair out, I'll let you gouge my eyes out, and then happily I will kiss your wonderfully sweet hands. Beat me, beat me, etc. Ah, I see you have no heart! Let's make up, my own true love. In happiness and joy we must pass the days and nights, yes, each day and every night, etc. Let's make up, my own true love, etc. Recitative MASETTO See how this little witch knew how to get around me! We must be weak in the head! |
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DON GIOVANNI (offstage) Get everything ready for a big celebration. ZERLINA Ah, Masetto, Masetto, that's the voice of his lordship the cavalier! MASETTO Well then, what of it? ZERLINA He's coming! MASETTO Let him come. ZERLINA Ah, if there were only some place to hide! MASETTO What are you afraid of? Why do you grow pale? Ah, I understand, you hussy! You fear that I will learn how things went between you two. Finale MASETTO Hurry, hurry, before he comes I must hide somewhere: there's a nook off to one side where I can stay and remain quiet. |
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ZERLINA Listen, listen! Where are you going? Do not hide here, oh Masetto! If he finds you, woe is you. You don't know what he might do. MASETTO Let him do or say what he pleases. ZERLINA Your brave words mean nothing! MASETTO Speak up and stay here. ZERLINA (aside) What could he have in mind? MASETTO Speak up, and stay here. (aside) I will learn if she is faithful, and how the affair went, etc. ZERLINA (aside) The ungrateful, cruel man wants to cause a crisis now, etc. (Masetto hides. Don Giovanni enters, followed by a group of servants. The peasants return.) DON GIOVANNI Come, wake up ever ybody! Come, courage, my good people! We want to have a good time, we want to laugh and joke. |
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To the ballroom now lead everybody and see to it that refreshments are served in plenty. CHORUS Come, wake up, ever ybody, etc. (The servants and the peasants go out. Zerlina is looking for a place to hide.) ZERLINA Among these bushes perhaps he won't see me. DON GIOVANNI Zerlina, my lovely, I've seen you; don't run away! ZERLINA Oh please let me go! DON GIOVANNI No, no, stay, joy of my life! ZERLINA If there's pity in your heart - DON GIOVANNI Yes, my dear, I'm full of love. Come over here for just a moment; I want to make you happy. Come over here for just a moment, etc. |
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ZERLINA (aside) Oh, if he sees my husband, I know well what he will do. (Don Giovanni pulls Zerlina away but coming face to face with Masetto, stops in amazement.) DON GIOVANNI Masetto? MASETTO Yes, Masetto. DON GIOVANNI Hiding in there? What for? Your beautiful Zerlina cannot, poor girl, stay any longer without you. MASETTO I understand, sir, indeed I do. DON GIOVANNI Now cheer up, both of you, do you hear the musicians? Now come along with me. ZERLINA, MASETTO Yes, yes, let us cheer up, and go and dance with the others, all three of us, etc. (They go out. Don Ottavio, Donna Anna and Donna Elvira enter together. They are masked.) |
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DONNA ELVIRA We must be brave, my dear friends, and thus we shall be able to uncover his misdeeds. DON OTTAVIO Our friend is right, we must be brave. Banish, my darling, your anguish and fear. DONNA ANNA The step is a dangerous one; there could be dire results. I fear for my beloved, and for us all. (Leporello opens a window.) LEPORELLO (to Don Giovanni) Sir, look for a moment at this handsome masked trio! DON GIOVANNI (at the window) Have them come in, tell them they honour us. DONNA ANNA, DONNA ELVIRA, DON OTTAVIO (aside) His looks and his voice reveal the betrayer. LEPORELLO Psst! Masqueraders! Psst! |
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DONNA ANNA, DONNA ELVIRA (to Don Ottavio) Go on, answer him. LEPORELLO Psst, psst! Masqueraders! DON OTTAVIO What do you want? LEPORELLO If you would care to enter, my master invites you to the dance. DON OTTAVIO You do us an honour! Let us go, my dear friends. LEPORELLO (aside) Our friend will also try his hand on these. (He retires from the window.) DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO May just Heaven protect my determined heart! etc. DONNA ELVIRA May just Heaven avenge my betrayed love! etc. (They leave.) |
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Scene Five A ballroom in Don Giovanni's house (Don Giovanni escorts some girls to their places. Leporello is chatting to some of the men.) DON GIOVANNI Take a rest, my pretty ones. LEPORELLO Refresh yourselves, my brave lads. DON GIOVANNI, LEPORELLO You will soon be dancing again. You will soon be joking again. DON GIOVANNI (to the servants) Hey there, coffee! LEPORELLO Chocolate! MASETTO (to Zerlina) Oh, Zerlina, be careful! DON GIOVANNI Ices! LEPORELLO Sweets! MASETTO Oh, Zerlina, be careful! |
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ZERLINA, MASETTO (aside) The scene has begun too sweetly; the ending could be bitter. DON GIOVANNI You are lovely, my gorgeous Zerlina. ZERLINA You are too kind. MASETTO (aside) She's lapping it up! LEPORELLO (to the girls) You are so nice, Gianotta, Sandrina! MASETTO (aside) Go on and touch her, so I can lop off your head! ZERLINA Masetto looks out of his mind. This is getting worse all the time, etc. DON GIOVANNI, LEPORELLO Masetto looks out of his mind. Now we'd better use our heads, etc. MASETTO She's lapping it up! Go on and touch her, so I can lop off your head! Ah, flirt, you're driving me to distraction, etc. (Donna Anna, Donna Elvira and Don Ottavio now enter, still masked.) |
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LEPORELLO Come forward, come forward, my gracious masqueraders! DON GIOVANNI Everyone is welcome! Hurray for freedom! DONNA ANNA, DONNA ELVIRA, DON OTTAVIO We thank you for so many signs of boundless generosity. ALL Hurray for freedom! etc. DON GIOVANNI (to the musicians) Resume your playing! (to Leporello) You, pair off the dancers. LEPORELLO Now everyone dance! (They dance.) DONNA ELVIRA (to Donna Anna) That's the peasant girl. DONNA ANNA I'm dying! DON OTTAVIO Hide your feelings! DON GIOVANNI, LEPORELLO It's really going well! |
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MASETTO (sarcastically) It's really going well! DON GIOVANNI (to Leporello) Keep your eye on Masetto. LEPORELLO (to Masetto) You're not dancing, poor boy? Come here, my dear Masetto, let us do what the others are doing. DON GIOVANNI (to Zerlina) I am your partner. Zerlina, come this way. MASETTO No, no, I don't want to dance. LEPORELLO Come, my friend, let's dance! MASETTO No! LEPORELLO Yes, dear Masetto! DONNA ANNA I can't stand it! DONNA ELVIRA, DON OTTAVIO Pretend, for pity's sake! LEPORELLO Dance! |
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MASETTO No, no, I don't want to. LEPORELLO Now dance, my friend! Let us do what the others are doing. (Leporello dances with Masetto. Don Giovanni, dancing with Zerlina, leads her towards an exit.) DON GIOVANNI Come with me, my own! Come! MASETTO Leave me alone! Ah no! Zerlina! ZERLINA Ye powers! I am lost! (Don Giovanni and Zerlina go off into another room.) LEPORELLO This will be a disaster! (He leaves hastily after them.) DONNA ANNA, DONNA ELVIRA, DON OTTAVIO The scoundrel draws a noose around his own neck! ZERLINA (offstage) Help, everyone, help! DONNA ELVIRA, DONNA ANNA, DON OTTAVIO Let us rescue the innocent girl! |
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MASETTO Ah, Zerlina! ZERLINA (offstage) Scoundrel! DONNA ANNA, DONNA ELVIRA, DON OTTAVIO Now she's screaming from over there! ZERLINA (offstage) Scoundrel! DONNA ANNA, DONNA ELVIRA, DON OTTAVIO Let us break down the door! ZERLINA (offstage) Save me! Ah save me, or I am lost! DONNA ANNA, DONNA ELVIRA, DON OTTAVIO We are here to help you! (Don Giovanni, sword in hand, re-enters dragging Leporello with him.) DON GIOVANNI Here's the lout who did it! But I will punish him! Die, I say! LEPORELLO What are you doing? DON GIOVANNI Die, I say! |
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LEPORELLO What are you doing? DON GIOVANNI Die, I say! LEPORELLO What are you doing? DON OTTAVIO (to Don Giovanni, pistol in hand) Don't try to trick us! DONNA ANNA, DONNA ELVIRA, DON OTTAVIO The villain thinks his trick will serve to hide his villainy! (They take off their masks.) DON GIOVANNI Donna Elvira! DONNA ELVIRA Yes, monster! DON GIOVANNI Don Ottavio! DON OTTAVIO Yes, sir! DON GIOVANNI You must believe - |
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ALL except DON GIOVANNI and LEPORELLO Traitor! We know everything! etc. Tremble, tremble, scoundrel! Now the whole world shall know of the horrible, black crime of your arrogant cruelty! Listen to the sound of vengeance as it thunders all around you! Upon your head this very day its thunderbolt shall fall. LEPORELLO His head is whirling in confusion, he no longer knows what's happening. A dreadful storm, oh Lord, its thundering over him. But he does not lack for courage. He is not lost or worried. If the world itself should end, nothing could make him afraid. DON GIOVANNI My head is whirling in confusion, I no longer know what's happening. A dreadful storm, oh Lord, is thundering above me. But I do not lack courage. I am not lost or worried. If the world itself should end, nothing could make me afraid. (Exit Don Giovanni.) |
| libretto by William Murray, 1961 |
| Contents: Cast; Act One; Act Two |