The Opéra de Montréal is currently staging a production of Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, a operate frequently described as embodying the concept of “aimer à la folie” – to love madly. The opera, which opened this season, centers on the tragic consequences of a forced marriage and betrayal within the feuding Scottish clans of Ashton and Ravenswood in the 16th century.
The production features Korean soprano Kathleen Kim in the title role of Lucia, and Quebec tenor Frédéric Antoun as her lover, Edgardo. Patrick Corrigan, director general of the Opéra de Montréal, highlighted Kim’s recent acclaim at the Metropolitan Opera of New York, stating, “Lucia is without a doubt one of the greatest female roles in the repertoire and we are fortunate to welcome Kathleen Kim.” Corrigan further emphasized the strength of the 2019-2020 season, positioning this production as evidence of its quality.
The narrative unfolds as Edgardo and Lucia exchange vows and an alliance, despite the animosity between their families. Enrico Ashton, Lucia’s brother, manipulates her into believing Edgardo has been unfaithful, presenting fabricated evidence to compel her to marry Arturo Bucklaw instead. Lucia, convinced of Edgardo’s betrayal, reluctantly agrees to the arranged marriage.
The opera’s most renowned scene depicts Lucia’s descent into madness following the forced marriage and the realization of the deception. The intensity of the emotions portrayed in Lucia di Lammermoor is central to the interpretation of “aimer à la folie,” a phrase that, according to the online dictionary Reverso, signifies a very intense and passionate mutual love.
The expression “aimer à la folie” appears in various artistic and literary works. Milan Kundera, in his novel The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1984), wrote that loving someone madly can lead to a dissolution of the perceived unity between soul and body. Claude Orland, in Nous (1972), contrasted such passionate love with a more “wise” form of affection, stating, “I loved her madly. I believe we never managed to love each other wisely.”
A collection of quotes compiled by dicocitations.com suggests the phrase evokes a sense of all-consuming passion. One quote emphasizes the necessity of wholeheartedly embracing such love, urging individuals to “find someone to love madly and who loves you in the same way,” advocating for a surrender to emotion over rational thought.
The Opéra de Montréal’s production of Lucia di Lammermoor continues its run, with no immediate announcement regarding future performances or touring plans.