The Webs of Venezia - Synopsis

Hello again! :) Just coming back real quick before I take a short hiatus (I'll be out of town), to give you all the promised plot synopsis to my melodramatic (wanna-be) operatic masterpiece, Le Ragnatele di Venezia (The Webs of Venezia). I apologize in advance that it still has the musical number notations in it, but I did not get a chance to edit them out. :P Anyways, though, send any complaints or moaning concerning the ending or the horrible melodrama to me in the comments, and I'll be back in a couple of weeks (but I'll still try to respond to comments during this hiatus, though I can't guarantee anything).

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[Opera Begins With Lively Overture, Bridging into Duet/Chorus Piece (see below)]

[Act One: Setting - Venezia LaVeirsi's Quaint 1800's Parlor]

Caecilia Teresina, a pretty middle class girl of a small Italian city, is a very sweet lady. She has long-held, however, the friendship of vivacious Venezia LaVeirsi, who is not. One day, they are together in Venezia's parlor talking. [Caecilia; Venezia; Chorus aria: Bello Come Un Giorno! - How Lovely A Day!] Venezia is practically bursting with a piece of news, and eventually persuades Caecilia into asking about it. So she relays it gladly. [Caecilia; Venezia duet aria: Dire, Quindi, Se Si - Tell, Then, If You Will] Her brother, Petrarcho, is coming back from a visit to his friend, Salvatore Bena. However, Petrarcho will be arriving that very day - and Salvatore will be with him! Caecilia offers to leave, since she would be intruding on their visit, but Venezia won't hear of it. So, instead, she tells Caecilia to go and prepare herself for company. Caecilia leaves to do so delightedly. While alone, Venezia thinks aloud to herself. [Venezia solo aria: A Lungo Ho Capito - Long Have I Known It] Venezia has harbored feelings for Salvatore for a small while, but has concealed from Caecilia this one factor in her excitement, wishing to keep it a secret. Salvatore has been there visiting many times before - being such a companion of Petrarcho - but has never paid any romantic attentions to Venezia. This visit, she hopes, will change that. She intends to somehow let him know... she just doesn't know how yet.

Soon, though, her little soliloquy is cut short by the return of Caecilia, and then her guests arriving. [Caecilia; Petrarcho; Salvatore; Venezia; Chorus aria: Ah, Ma Ora Sono Qui! - Ah, But Here They Are Now!] Venezia manages, by having Caecilia fetch something while Petrarcho deposits his baggage, to get Salvatore alone. She leaves the room for a moment, to call to Caecilia about what she wants, though still within hearing of the parlor. Caecilia's voice is heard offstage in answer to Venezia. As though prompted by the voice, Salvatore - alone - begins his own soliloquy, pondering how unusual he feels towards Caecilia, whom he has seen before, but never much known. [Salvatore solo aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Venezia and Caecilia): E Cos'e Questo...? - And What Is This...?] He loves her, but does not want to come to this conclusion, because he knows her so little. Venezia, though just in the next room, hears him, and thinks sadly to herself of this disastrous happening. But she forces herself to keep a stiff upper lip, and then goes to him. She tells Salvatore that she has heard all of this, and that she is willing to help him gain Caecilia's favor. [Venezia solo aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Salvatore): Signor, Il Tuo Vero Cuore - Sir, Your True Heart] She intends to help him but a little, and meanwhile display her own graces, so as to win his love herself.

[Act Two: Setting - Venezia LaVeirsi's Garden]

However, even with Venezia's miniscule and insincere aid, Salvatore begins to succeed in procuring Caecilia's favor. [Salvatore solo aria: O, Piu Bella Al Mio Occhio  - O, Most Lovely To My Eye] Venezia observes it with both sorrow and frustration, as her own love has only grown for Salvatore. Half desperate, she comes up with another plot. [Venezia solo aria: E Se, Forse... - And If, Perhaps...] She knows of the extreme respect that Salvatore holds for her brother, due to an event a long time ago when Petrarcho saved Salvatore's life. She also is aware that Petrarcho is yet unknowing of Salvatore's very inconspicuous affections for Caecilia. Venezia decides to use both factors to her advantage. So she decides to try and make Petrarcho - who is so very hotheaded - fall in love with her friend Caecilia. Petrarcho, as a far more open man, will be far more easily observable in his love than Salvatore , so Caecilia will perhaps be swayed more. Salvatore, on seeing his friend's so clear affections for her, and her own favoring of Petrarcho, may not dare - out of respect to them both - to start a rivalry, and so might leave off his only newborn attentions to Caecilia. Thus, Salvatore's attention may then be captured by the only other lady holding his friendship (a.k.a., Venezia). Venezia recovers herself in light of this plan, and laughs at the simplicity of love, believing this plan sure to succeed. [Venezia solo aria: Amore, Piu Semplice! - O Love, Most Simple!] Venezia begins work upon her brother immediately, when Caecilia visits them not long afterwards. Soon enough, Petrarcho does indeed seem to be falling, and Venezia gloats to herself over her own brilliance, thinking of the happiness she will so soon attain; her brother's felicity, Caecilia as a sister, and her love for her own. [Venezia; Chorus aria: Immagina, Venezia... Amore, Piu Semplice! - Imagine, Venezia... O, Love, Most Simple!]* However, neither Venezia nor her plan had counted on Salvatore leaving for his home again so soon, as he does but a day later. Venezia is told of it by Caecilia, and - while pretending easiness - is inwardly shocked and distressed by the news. [Caecilia; Venezia duet aria: Il Mio Amore Lontano - My Distant Love] Caecilia also tells Venezia of Salvatore's promise to write Caecilia, and to return in two months.

*All arias (except the original) that are labeled Amore, Piu Semplice merely have the main refrain of that aria repeated in them somewhere, and do not necessarily have the whole aria.

[Act Three: Setting - Venezia LaVeirsi's Quaint Parlor]

This news cripples Venezia's designs. If Salvatore is gone, then Venezia cannot work him for herself. But if he's writing Caecilia, he may still continue his courting of her, though far away. He will also then not observe in person Petrarcho's affections for Caecilia, and so will be unaware of any rivalry, thus being unhindered in his courtship. Venezia is forced by this realization to reconsider her strategies. [Venezia solo aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Caecilia; Salvatore; Petrarcho): Frantumi Sono Mie Speranze - Shattered Are My Hopes] So she comes up with a different solution. [Venezia solo aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Salvatore): Senza Di Te, Amore Mio... - Without You, My Love... ] If Venezia can further her brother's affections for Caecilia drastically in those two months before Salvatore returns, then Caecilia herself may be turned faster by the more serious-seeming, present man, rather than the slow-moving, distant one. Then, when Salvatore returns, he will find Petrarcho in a deeper courtship with Caecilia, and Caecilia will be no longer interested in him, thus achieving Venezia's originally intended result. She is hesitant to use this plan, though, because she fears that it will hurt Salvatore. However, she can think of no other way, and so reluctantly resolves on this plan. She then departs to find Petrarcho. After Venezia leaves, Venezia's maid, Pia - who has watched all these goings-on - comes out. She has heard Venezia's plot. She herself loves Petrarcho, but determines to put her own feelings aside for the moment to try and observe Venezia's efforts. She decides to tell Petrarcho of the plot if Venezia continues on this course. [Pia solo aria: Quello Che Ho Sentito Ma Malate Notizie - What Have I Heard But Ill Tidings?]

However, Venezia , having forgotten something, returns to the scene and hears Pia. Furious, she dismisses Pia from the household. As Pia leaves, though, Venezia formulates another plan. She coyly calls Pia back. Venezia tells Pia that this plot of hers would lead to Petrarcho's happiness, and that Pia will keep her job if she helps Venezia (while keeping a silent tongue). Venezia persuades Pia that Petrarcho's true happiness is at stake. As an added point, Venezia threatens Pia not only with the loss of her job, but also declares that she will tell Petrarcho of Pia's affections for him should Pia refuse or reveal the plan. [Pia; Venezia duet aria: Il Riscatto Del Tuo Silenzio - The Ransom Of Your Silence] Pia considers a moment, and then reluctantly agrees. Venezia applauds Pia for her wise choice, and yet again laughs in the shadow of her triumph. [Venezia solo aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Pia): Bravo, Pia!...Amore, Piu Semplice!] With the reluctant help of Pia, Venezia works on Petrarcho with slow but steady success. She now visits Caecilia with Petrarcho almost every day, and Petrarcho pays some attentions to Caecilia. Caecilia, though, still always in a delight from Salvatore's letters to her, barely notices the key of these attentions, and so welcomes Petrarcho, not realizing his feelings for her. Venezia, wishing to speed the process, one day tells Petrarcho that she feels rather too ill to visit Caecilia, and that he must go alone this time. At first Petrarcho is hesitant to do so, but then, considering the proposition a moment, eagerly agrees. [Petrarcho; Venezia duet aria: Fratello, Mio Caro Fratello - Brother, My Dear Brother] Petrarcho exits. He does indeed go to Caecilia, who - despite slight surprise that her friend is not also present - welcomes him. [Caecilia; Petrarcho duet aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Chorus and Pia): Petrarcho? Che Dolce Compagnia - Petrarcho? What Sweet Company] Caecilia enjoys his company for a period of time, and Pia - who was told by Venezia to follow Petrarcho - reports the goings-on to Venezia. [Pia solo aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Venezia and Chorus): Questo Avere Ho Sentito - This Have I Heard]  Venezia listens thoughtfully.

[Act Four, Scene One: Setting - The Grove Between Caecilia Teresina's and Venezia LaVeirsi's Houses, From Which The City Can Be Seen]

Soon enough, Petrarcho is visiting Caecilia - on his own - almost every day, to his sister's delight. [Petrarcho; Venezia; Caecilia; Pia aria: Rosa, Dolce, Rosa - Rose, Sweet Rose] Time passes quickly this way, and soon enough the two months are almost over. Venezia's plot appears in most areas to be succeeding. However, despite Venezia's displeasure at it, Caecilia continues to receive Salvatore's letters with great joy. Venezia only hopes that the letters will have little effect. [Venezia solo aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Pia): Un Cosi Poco Tempo! - So Little A Time!] Petrarcho's visits with Caecilia have become progressively longer and more serious, but - unknown to Venezia - Caecilia's ecstasy over Salvatore's letters has not diminished, and she little notices Petrarcho's attempts at courtship. [Petrarcho solo aria: Con Molla In Inverno - As Spring To Winter...] Venezia worries about the content of Salvatore's letters, and their effect on Caecilia. So Venezia tells Pia to fetch one of the letters for her, that she may read it. [Venezia; Pia duet aria (bridging into a solo Venezia aria): Tranquillamente, Pia... Di Amore E Di Avere - Quietly, Pia... To Love And To Have] All Venezia wishes for seem very close, and so she is cautious, so that she might not yet lose it. The very same day, Petrarcho leaves to see Caecilia, this time with the intention of proposing to her. Venezia senses his intent and warns Pia to stay out of Petrarcho's sight in her mission. Pia leaves. Venezia likewise departs, to go and await Pia's return. Caecilia and Petrarcho come. Petrarcho reaches Caecilia in the grove by her home, where she waltzes and sings joyously in a complete delight. [Caecilia solo aria: Nessuna Canzone! - No Song I Can Sing!] Petrarcho confusedly asks what is making her bustle about so, behaving in such a way. She replies gladly that she has received a letter from Salvatore, saying that he is returning that very day. The letter also contained a proposal of marriage from Salvatore, which, as she tells Petrarcho joyfully, she intends to accept. She tells him that, as one of her greatest friends, she couldn't keep it a secret from him. [Caecilia solo aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Petrarcho): O, Gioia Delle Gioie! - O, Joy Of Joys!]

Petrarcho is stood aback. He had never even known of his friend's courtship with Caecilia, much less ever anticipated Caecilia accepting a proposal from Salvatore. Caecilia observes Petrarcho's shock, and puts the letter down, concerned that her friend is unwell. She asks him what is wrong. [Caecilia; Petrarcho duet aria: Cio Che Vi Affligge Cosi? - What So Ails You?] He attempts to smile, and act as though nothing happened, saying he is fine. So, trying to forget it, Caecilia converses again with Petrarcho for a small while. Once more she notes his uneasiness and distraction, and asks if he is well. Petrarcho again tries to act as though untouched, and insists that there is nothing wrong. He tries to have Caecilia continue in ordinary conversation. Caecilia, still somewhat confused, tries to ignore the highly apparent discomfort of her friend, since he persists in saying that it is nothing. Meanwhile, as they thus converse, Pia carefully comes in and sees Salvatore's proposal letter which Caecilia has put down. Pia picks it up, and cautiously exits, going back to Venezia. Soon, Petrarcho and Caecilia separate,  and Petrarcho - now alone - reveals in aria his true stance. [Petrarcho solo aria: Cosi Vicino Al Mio... - So Close To Mine...] He has been shocked by this event, and hurt in now realizing that Caecilia never really saw him there in the first place. He recalls that Salvatore is to return soon. Petrarcho does not think he will be able to face Salvatore any time soon, and definitely not Caecilia,  so he storms off, going home to pack his things and enlist as a soldier in the nearby encampment.

[Act Four, Scene Two: Setting - Venezia LaVeirsi's Quaint Parlor (again)]

Meanwhile, at Petrarcho's home, Pia has returned to Venezia with Salvatore's letter. Venezia reads it and is blown aback. Shocked and frustrated, she sends Pia out, barely able to even speak in her upset state. This could ruin all her hopes; she has no way of yet knowing whether Caecilia will accept, and Salvatore is arriving that very day. Venezia is for a moment just in a state of shock. Then, suddenly, Petrarcho storms into the room, perhaps even more upset than Venezia. [Petrarcho; Venezia duet aria: Fratello! Che Stai Facendo? - Brother! What Are You Doing?] He quickly begins to gather his things together. Venezia, flustered, asks distressedly what he is doing. He tells her very briefly of his visit with Caecilia, and of Salvatore's accepted proposal to Caecilia, unknowing that Venezia is aware of the letter and its contents. Petrarcho tells his sister of his intent to go away, and that he won't be persuaded out of it. Venezia is yet more distressed by the news of Caecilia's intent and Petrarcho's decision. Venezia tries desperately to get him to stay, even attempting to cling onto him so that he might not leave. He refuses to reconsider, and so departs, despite Venezia's efforts to keep him there. Once he is gone, Venezia collapses onto the floor in her distress and sobs.

[Act Four, Scene Three: Setting - A Part Of Town, By An Enormous Stone Stairway, and The Street Leading Out Of The Town]

In the meantime, Salvatore has returned, and is just in town, ready to go to Caecilia. He hesitates a moment, unsure whether she will receive him as he'd hoped. [Salvatore solo aria: Il Suo Tocco - Her Touch] But then, suddenly, from atop the great stairway by the road, Caecilia herself comes, and spots Salvatore. She rushes to him, and tells him of her agreement to the proposal. Joyfully, Salvatore lifts her high into the air, and - upon her landing - they sing a happy duet, proclaiming their gladness. [Caecilia; Salvatore duet aria: Altezza Di Nessuna - No Star's Height (Is Greater)] Caecilia tells Salvatore that they must inform their good friend, Venezia, of their news. Salvatore heartily agrees, still very grateful for Venezia's previous aid to him. So the couple leaves, to go and tell Venezia their joyful news. Then, on the edge of the road, Petrarcho is traveling out of town, to go to the regiment's encampment, still upset. Suddenly Pia runs up after him and stops him. She tries to convince him to come back, revealing all of Venezia's plot and how Venezia forced her to aid in it, also revealing her own feelings for Petrarcho. She urges him to come back, at least to speak with his sister. [Pia solo aria: Ti Prego Ascoltami, Petrarcho - Please Hear Me, Petrarcho] Shocked by the message, and touched by Pia's cares, Petrarcho agrees to return, and immediately rushes to go back to Venezia, Pia following. Atop the stone stair stumbles Venezia. She is in a great distress, still thinking she has lost everything. In her hand she carries a bottle of poison, with which she plans to kill herself. She glances down at the bottle in her hand, still unsure, but with a great upset in her mind. She slowly begins a sorrowful soliloquy to herself, thinking of what she is about to do, and what could have been. [Venezia solo aria: Ma Non Doveva Essere - But It Was Never Meant To Be] She opens the bottle, still knowing within her that it is wrong. Her soliloquy intensifies, and a battle rages in her over whether to drink it. Finally, with one final effort, she overcomes the desire to end it all, and she throws the bottle far away from her, down the stone steps. Exhausted from the effort, but half relieved now that it is over, she ends her song. The stage lights dim almost completely, but then, with a sudden scream and ominous turn of the music, the lights flash for a moment, only just bright enough to see a figure fall from the top of the stone steps. When the lights are bright again, the chorus can be seen, crowding in the corner of the stage. Then, from either side of the road, the two couples - Caecilia and Salvatore, and Pia and Petrarcho - can be seen rushing into town, one happily and the other grimly. They meet each other. Pia and Petrarcho ask the other two where Venezia is. Of course they reply that they do not know, but wish to, for they have been searching for her for hours (as Pia and Petrarcho have likewise done). Neither couple has seen her, and Pia and Petrarcho worry. Pia tells them of all that has happened, and Venezia's plot. Now both couples are worried.

Then, the chorus starts loudly crying out and singing, and part of the chorus goes to the two couples and begins to scream and exclaim. [Chorus aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Caecilia; Petrarcho; Pia; Salvatore): O, Che Disgrazia! Tragedia Ci Colpisce! - Oh, What Misfortune! Tragedy Strikes Us!] Petrarcho asks confusedly what has happened. The members of the chorus explain flusteredly that an terrible thing has occurred, and a young woman is injured at the foot of the street's stone steps. She has fallen from them due to an accident. All the citizens rushed when they heard her scream. All have gathered, and a doctor has been called, but there is nothing that can be done, and she is languishing near her end. Petrarcho's mind immediately jumps to Venezia with worry, and he - with the other three - push through the crowd to the end of the steps, to where the injured girl can finally be seen. It is indeed Venezia. Petrarcho cries out in distress, and Caecilia begins to sob. [Petrarcho solo aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Caecilia; Pia; Salvatore): Venezia! Come Puo Essere? - Venezia! How Can This Be?] He mourns. Venezia wakes a little, and sees them before her. They are glad that she has awoken, but are still sorrowful in the shadow of what is to come. Venezia knows she is dying. She confesses to all of them her plot, and muses a little sadly on the irony of her death - how she strove so hard, making the choice not to end her life, and then it was ended for her only moments later. [Venezia solo aria (with minimal vocal appearance of Chorus): Pregate Per Me, Miei Compagni... Amore, Piu Semplice - Pray For Me, My Comrades... O, Love, Most Simple] She admits aloud that Love has conquered her and her arrogance, and that she only hopes they will understand and forgive her for all that she has done. Then, finishing the last full aria in the opera, Venezia dies.

[End Of Opera]

What did you think? Are you, like my previous readers, slamming your head against a wall in frustration? Or are you laughing from the melodrama of it all? (trust me - I would not be offended by this reaction; in fact, it would tickle me pink to know that you were cracking up reading this - trust me, I was too.)  ;) Or are you now depressed? Or perhaps you are now nodding to yourself in affirmation of your decision to never get into opera, haha? Talk to me! I would enjoy all comments - especially heckling ones (truly, when people heckle my stuff, it gives me more laughter than I can say, and it keeps me from getting a big head about it, so I very honestly can say go ahead and heckle.  After all, it is opera! ;)