| Operas by Stanisław Moniuszko |
|---|
|
Halka (1848) |
Verbum nobile ('The word of a nobleman') is a one-act opera by Stanisław Moniuszko to a libretto by Jan Chęciński. It was first performed in Warsaw on January 1, 1861.
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 1861 (Conductor: - ) |
|---|---|---|
| Serwacy Łagoda | bass | |
| Zuzia, (his daughter) | soprano | |
| Marcin Pakula | baritone | |
| Michal (his son) | baritone | |
| Bartolomiej, Marcin's servant | bass |
The plot is a rehash of a familiar operatic theme- Zuzia and Michal are promised to each other by their parents, without their having met; they meet accidentally and fall in love. Michal, having given his name as Stanisław, is refused Zusia's hand by her father, who has given his word to Serwacy, Michal's father, on the betrothal. All is explained, preventing a duel between Marcin and Serwacy, and the marriage can go ahead.