Sister Angelica
Opera in one act

LIBRETTO
Giovacchino Forzano

PREMIERE
14 December 1918, New York (Metropolitan Opera)

CAST
SISTER ANGELICA (Soprano)
THE PRINCESS, her aunt (Contralto)
THE ABBESS (Mezzosoprano)
THE MISTRESS OF THE NOVICES (Mezzosoprano)
THE MONITOR (Sopran)
SISTER GENOVEVA (Soprano)
SISTER OSMINA (Soprano)
SISTER DOLCINA (Mezzosoprano)
THE NURSING SISTER (Soprano)
TWO ALMS-COLLECTORS (Mezzosoprano)

CHORUS
lay sisters, novices

PLACE
A covent in Italy

TIME
late 17th-century

SOLE ACT

(Ave Maria)

THE MONITOR
to the two lay‑sisters
Sisters in humility,
you were late for service
and so was Sister Angelica,
but she has done full penance.
Instead, you, sisters,
have sinned heedlessly,
and lost one day of this holy celebration!

A LAY‑SISTER
I am guilty of the sin
and beg severe punishment,
and the graver it be,
the more thanks shall I give,
sister in humility.

They await their penance, while the monitor remains absorbed in meditation.

THE MISTRESS OF THE NOVICES
explaining to the novices
Those arriving late for chapel
must kneel and kiss the ground.

THE MONITOR
to the lay‑sisters
You will repeat mentally
twenty times a prayer
or the opressed and the afflicted,
and for those who live
in mortal sin.

THE LAY‑SISTERS
With joy and fervour!
Christ my Lord,
Beloved Bridegroom,
I only wish to please Thee,
now and in the hour
of my death! Amen!

They retire, contrite, beneath the arches

THE MONITOR
to sister Lucilla
Sister Lucifia, to work.
Retire and observe silence.

Sister Lucilla goes under the arcade on the right and, taking down a spinning‑ wheel, begins to spin.

THE MISTRESS OF THE NOVICES
to the two novices
It's because this evening she laughed
and made others laugh in the choir.

THE MONITOR
to Sister Omina
Sister Osmina, in chapel
were hiding two scarlet roses
in your sleeves.

SISTER OSMINA
defiantly
It's not true!

THE MONITOR
severely
Sister, go to your cell.
Sister Osmina shrugs her shoulders
Do not linger! Our Lady's watching you!
Sister Osmina leaves without another word.
The other sisters watch her until she disappears into her cell.
Sovereign Lady, pray for her.
Sister Osmina slams her cell door

THE MONITOR
And now, sisters in joy,
since it pleases the Lord
and to return
more cheerfully
to our labours,
for love of Him
amuse yourselves for a while!

THE SISTERS
Amen!

The white figures of the nuns disperse through the cloisters. Sister Angelica sets about hoeing the earth and watering the flowers.

SISTER GENEVIEVE
gaily
Oh, sisters, sisters!
I want to show you
where a sunbeam
has entered the cloister!
Look where it falls,
there, there among the greenery!
The sunlight is upon the sweet sedge!
So begin the three evenings
of the golden fountain!

THE SISTERS
It's true, in a moment
we'll see the golden water!
And for two evenings more.
It is May, it is May!
It is the fair smile of Our Lady
which comes with that ray.
Queen of Mercy, we thank Thee,
we thank Thee!

A NOVICE
Sister, may I ask
permission to speak?

THE MISTRESS
Always, to praise holy
and beautiful things.

A NOVICE
What act of grace by the Virgin
gladdens the sisters?

THE MISTRESS
A shining sign
of God's goodness!
On three evenings only in the year,
as we come out of chapel,
God allows us to see the sun
falling upon the fountain and
turning it to gold.

A NOVICE
And the other evenings?

THE MISTRESS
We either come out too soon
when the sun is high, or too late and the sun has set.

SISTERS
with great melancholy
Another year has passed!
Another year gone!
And we have lost a sister!

The sisters in an attitude of mute prayer, seem to be picturing their dead sister

SISTER GENEVIEVE
simply and almost gaily
Oh, sisters in pious toil,
when the jet has begun to glow,
when the jet becomes golden,
would it not be good to take
a pad of golden water
to the grave of Sister Bianca Rosa?

SISTERS
Yes! Our sister sleeping there
would certainly like it!

SISTER ANGELICA
Desires are the flowers of the living,
they do not bloom in the realm of death,
because the Blessed Virgin helps us,
and in her kindness
freely anticipates our desires;
before a desire flowers,
the Mother of mothers has granted it.
Oh, sister, death is beautiful life!

THE MONITOR
We cannot have desires
even while we are alive.

SISTER GENEVIEVE
If they are innocent and pure, why not?
Haven't you a desire?

THE MONITOR
I? No!

THREE SISTERS
severally
Neither have I!
Nor I!
Nor I!

SISTER GENEVIEVE
I have,
I confess it.
with eyes uplifted
Thou knowest,
my sweet Lord,
that in the world I used to be a shepherdess…
I haven't seen a lamb for five years.
Lord, does it vex thee
if I say that I want
to see a tiny one,
nurse it,
touch its cool nose
and hear it bleat?
If it is a sin,
I offer the Miserere mei
Forgive me, Lord,
Thou who art the lamb of God.

SISTER DOLCINA
rosy‑cheeked and sloutish
I have a desire, too!

SISTERS
Sister, we know
your desires!
Some tasty morsel!

Juicy fruit!
Gluttony is a deadly sin!
to the novices
She's greedy! Shes greedy!

Sister Dolcina looks disconcerted and mortified.

SISTER GENEVIEVE
to Sister Angelica
Sister Angelica, What about you?
Have you any wishes?

SISTER ANGELICA
turning towards the sisters
I? No, sister. No.
She turns to water the flowers

SISTERS
grouping themselves on the opposite side of Sister Angelica and whispering
May Jesus forgive her,
she's told a lie,
she’s told a lie!

A NOVICE
advancing curiously

SISTERS
quietly
We know that
she has a great longing
for news
of her family!
She has been in the convent
for more than seven years
but has heard no word.
She seems resigned,
but is so tormented!
In the world she was very rich,
so said our Mother Abbess.
She was noble!
Noble! A princess!
They made her take the veil,
it seems … as a punishment.
But why?
Why?
Who knows?
Well, who does?
Well, who does?

THE NURSING SISTER
hurrying in
Sister Angelica, listen!

SISTER ANGELICA
Sister,
what's happened, tell me!

THE NURSING SISTER
Sister Clara was out there
in the garden,
trimming the roses on the trellis;
suddenly a swarm of wasps flew out
and stung her on the face!
Now she's in her cell, moaning!
Oh, sister, soothe the pain
which is giving her such agony!

SISTERS
Poor girl! Poor girl!

SISTER ANGELICA
Wait a moment - I'll find herbs and flowers!

She runs in search of herbs and flowers

THE NURSING SISTER
Sister Angelica always has a good
prescription made with flowers,
she always knows where to find
a blessed herb to soothe pain!

SISTER ANGELICA
giving the Nursing Sister a bunch of herbs
Here, this is spurge;
with the milky juice from it
bathe the swelling;
and with this make a potion.
Tell Sister Clara
that it's very bitter
but it will do her good.
And tell her too
that wasp's stings
are small sufferings
and she must not complain,
for complaining only increases the pain.

THE NURSING SISTER
I'll tell her.
Thank you, sister, thank you.

SISTER ANGELICA
I am here to help.

Two alms‑collecting nuns enter, leading a well ladened donkey

ALMS‑COLLECTORS (Tourières)
Praise be to Mary!

SISTERS
For ever more!

ALMS‑COLLECTORS
A good collection this evening,
Sister Housekeeper.

The sisters crowd around the donkey while the alms‑collectors unload and hand the gifts to the Housekeeping Sister.

FIRST ALMS‑COLLECTOR
A full oil‑skin.

SISTER DOLCINA
Oh, good!

SECOND ALMS‑COLLECTOR
Hazel nuts, six strings.

FIRST ALMS‑COLLECTOR
A basketful of walnuts.

SISTER DOLCINA
Nice with salt and bread!

THE MONITOR
reprovingly
Sister!

FIRST ALMS‑COLLECTOR
Here's flour!
And a cheese
which is still oozing milk,
as sweet as a nut,
and a bag of lentils,
eggs, butter and that's all.

SISTERS
A good collection this evening,
Sister Housekeeper.

The second alms‑collector leads the donkey away

SECOND ALMS‑COLLECTOR
offering Sister Dolcina a stem of red‑currants
For you, ravenous sister.

SISTER DOLCINA
happily
A stem of red-currants!
noting the other sisters' teasing attitude
Take some, sisters.

SOME SISTERS
Thank you, thank you!

A SISTER
jokingly
Oh, if l take some I shall suffer damnation!

SISTER DOLCINA
No, take some!

SISTERS
Thank you!
laughingly eat the fruit quietly, together

FIRST ALMS‑COLLECTOR
Who has come to visit this evening?

SISTERS
No one.
No one.
Why?

FIRST ALMS‑COLLECTOR
Outside the front door there
stands a rich‑looking carriage.

SISTER ANGELICA
as if seized by a sudden fear
What did you say, sister?
A carriage outside?
A richly appointed one?

FIRST ALMS‑COLLECTOR
Belonging to nobility.
It must be waiting for
someone visiting the convent
and perhaps soon the parlour
bell will ring.

SISTER ANGELICA
with growing anxiety
Oh, tell me, sister,
what was the carriage like?
Did it have a coat‑of‑arms?
An ivory coat‑of‑arms?
Was it upholstered inside
with dark blue silk
embroidered in silver?

FIRST ALMS‑COLLECTOR
somewhat confused
I don't know, sister, I really don't:
all I saw was
… a fine coach!

SISTERS
watching Sister Angelica curiously
She's turned pale …
Now she's scarlet!
Poor sister! She's upset!
She's hoping it’s her family!

The convent bell rings. Other sisters run in from all sides

Someone's coming to the parlour …
A visitor
For whom …?
Who can it be for?
If only it were for me …
Or me …
my mother bringing us
the white doves …
If only it were my cousin
bringing good lavender seed.

Sister Genevieve draws near and almost interrupts them by pointing to Sister Angelica with a gesture of pity.

SISTER ANGELICA
aside, raising her eyes to the sky
O Blessed Mother,
look into my heart,
give a smile
for me to the Saviour.

The sisters silently approach Sister Angelica

SISTER GENEVIEVE
to Sister Angelica
Oh, beloved sister,
we pray to the Star of Heaven
that the visitor is for you

SISTER ANGELICA
with great emotion
Dear sister, thank you ... thank you!

The Abbess enters to call the nun for whom the visitor is waiting. Sister Angelica is still in an attitude of prayer.

THE ABBESS
calling
Sister Angelica!
The Abbess motions to the other sisters to withdraw.

SISTERS
as if breathing, at last
Ah!

The spout of the fountain is now the colour of gold. The sisters take a watering‑can which they fill with the golden water and move away in the direction of the cemetery.

SISTER ANGELICA
Mother, mother, tell me!
Who is it? Who is it?
Mother, speak!
I've been waiting for seven years,
waiting for a word, a letter ...
I've offered my all to
Our Lady in full expiation.

THE ABBESS
Then offer her also the anxious
desire which now disturbs you!

Sister Angelica, crushed, kneels slowly and regains her composure

SIX SISTERS
Singing from the cemetery
Give her eternal rest,
o Lord:
and may perpetual light
shine on her.
May she rest in peace. Amen!

SISTER ANGELICA
raising her eyes
Mother, I am calm and obedient.

THE ABBESS
Your aunt, the Princess
has come to see you.

SISTER ANGELICA
Ah!

THE ABBESS
In the parlour
say what
conforms to obedience,
necessity.
Every word is heard
by the Holy Virgin.

SISTER ANGELICA
Let the Virgin hear me. So be it.

The Abbess goes towards the door which is opened from the outside by the Sister Portress. Between them enters a sombre, aristocratic figure. It is the Princess, Angelica’s aunt who walks with the aid of a thin, ebony stick. She stops, glances at her niece, coldly and without a shred of emotion. The door closes and they are left alone. Angelica, full of emotion, moves towards her aunt who merely proffers her outstretched hand for her to kiss. While the Princess sits down, she falls to her knees and looks imploringly at her. But the aunt ostentatiously stares straight ahead.

THE PRINCESS
Prince Gualtiero, your father,
and Princess Clara, your mother,
when they died
twenty years ago ...
she stops to make the sign of the cross
... left in my care their children ...
and the entire family estate.
I had to divide it
as I thought fit
and with absolute justice.
It is what I have done. Here is the document.
You can read it, examine it and sign it.

SISTER ANGELICA
humbly
After seven years I stand before you.
Let this holy place inspire you ...
It is a place of clemency ...
It is a place of compassion ...

THE PRINCESS
in a tone of condemnation
... and repentance.
I must tell you
the reason why I arrived at this division:
Your sister
Anna Viola
is to be married.

SISTER ANGELICA
Married? Little
Anna Viola married?
My little sister?
Oh ... seven years ...
seven years have passed ... ah!
Now little blonde sister, you
are to be married,
oh, my little sister, may you
be happy!
Who is she marrying?

THE PRINCESS
To one whose love has enabled him to overlook
the disgrace you have brought to our noble family.

SISTER ANGELICA
My mother's sister,
you are hard‑hearted!

THE PRINCESS
What are you saying and thinking?
Hard-hearted? Hard‑hearted?
You bring your mother
into this against me?
You dare to mention your mother's name?
Often, on an evening,
there in our chapel I pray.
In the silence of those prayers
my spirit seems to leave me
and join your mother's
in secret, ethereal communion!
How painful it is to hear
the dead mourn and weep!
When the mystical trance passes,
I have only one word to say to you:
Atone! Atone!
Offer my justice
to the Blessed Virgin!

SISTER ANGELICA
I have offered everything to the Virgin,
yes, everything!
But there is something that I cannot give:
To the sweet Mother of all mothers
I cannot promise to forget ... my son!
My son! ... My son! ... My son!
The baby who was torn from me,
my son whom I saw and kissed only once!
My baby ... my baby far away!
This is the word I've been praying
to hear for seven years!
Tell me about him!
How is he, how is my child?
Has he a sweet face?
What colour are his eyes?
Tell me about him ... my son,
Do tell me about him ...

A pause. The old lady gazes at the young mother, without replying.

SISTER ANGELICA
Why don't you speak ...
Why not ... why not?
Another moment of this silence
and you will be damned for eternity.
The Virgin hears us and She will judge you.

THE PRINCESS
Two years ago
he was taken
seriously ill.
Everything was done to save him.

SISTER ANGELICA
He's dead?
The Princess bends her head silently
Ah! ...

She falls to the ground. Her aunt rises to help her, thinking she has fainted, but hearing Angelica's sobs, she checks her movement of compassion. She turns towards a sacred image on the wall and prays in silence before it. The Abbess and the Portress enter with pen and ink. Angelica drags herself to the table and with a trembling hand signs the document. Then she moves away and covers her face with her hands.

The two nuns leave. The Princess takes the parchment, then moves towards her niece, but Angelica shrinks from her. The aunt goes to the door but glances back at Angelica. The door opens and the Portress shows the visitor out. Night has fallen; in the cemetery the sisters are lighting small lanterns on the tombstones. Sister Angelica bursts out sobbing.

SISTER ANGELICA
still kneeling, with mournful voice
Without a mother,
my baby, you died!
Your lips,
without my kisses
grew
pale and cold!
And you closed,
my baby, your beautiful eyes!
Not being able
to caress me,
you folded
your little hands in a cross!
And you died
without knowing
how much
your mother loved you!
Now that you are an angel in heaven.
you can see your mother,
you can come down from the sky
and I feel you fluttering about me …
You're here, you're here, you kiss me, caress me …
Oh, tell me, when shall I see you in heaven?
When shall I kiss you?
Oh, sweet end to all my sorrows,
when can I join you in Heaven?­
When shall I die,
oh, when shall I die?
Tell your mother, pretty baby,
with a tiny twinkle of a star.
Speak to me,
my beloved, my loved one.

The Sisters come out of the cemetery and draw near Sister Angelica who is in an ecstatic trance.

SISTERS
Sister, good sister,
Our Lady has heard your prayer.
You will be happy, sister,
The Holy Virgin has given you Her grace.

SISTER ANGELICA
with mystical exaltation
Her grace has descended from Heaven,
it sets me all aglow,
it shines!
Now I can see my goal.
Sisters, I am happy, happy!
Let us sing. They are singing in Heaven!
Let us praise the Holy Virgin,

SISTERS
Amen!
The nuns return to their cell
off‑stage
Let us praise the Holy Virgin!

SISTER ANGELICA
from her cell
Her grace has descended from Heaven!

It is night. Stars shine upon the chapel and the moon rises over the cypresses.
A cell door opens and Sister Angelica comes out carrying an earthenware jar which she puts down at the foot of a cypress. She collects a bundle of twigs and branches and places them in a surround of stones. She goes to the font and fills the jar with water. She lights a fire with a flint and sets the jar on the fire.

SISTER ANGELICA
Sister Angelica always has a good prescription
made from flowers.
My friends the flowers who hide
in your little breasts drops of poison,
oh, how much care have I lavished upon you.
Now you will repay me.
Through you, my flowers, I shall die!
She rises and turns towards the cells
Farewell, dear sisters, farewell,
I leave you for ever.
My son has called me!
His smile appeared to me
in a ray of starlight.
He said to me: "Mama, come to Heaven!"
Farewell! Farewell!
Farewell, little chapel!
How often have I prayed in you!
Kindly you would receive my prayers and tears.
Blessed grace has descended!
I die for him and I shall see him again in
Heaven … Ah!

She embraces and kisses the cross, then bends and picks up the jar. She drinks the poison and lets the jar fall to the ground. Her act of suicide seems to release her from her trance, bringing her back to reality. Her face takes on an expression of intense anguish as if she were suddenly aware of a terrible revelation.

Ah, I am damned!
I have taken my life, I have taken my life!
I die, I die in mortal sin!
She throws herselfin despair on her knees
O Madonna, Madonna, save me, save me!
For the love of my child!
I have lost my reason!
Do not let me die in damnation!
Give me a sign of Thy grace,
Madonna, save me!

Angelica seems to hear the voices of angels interceding for her to the Mother of all Mothers.

CHORUS
O most glorious of virgins,
sublime among the stars,
who created and nursed you
as a baby with milk‑laden‑breast.

The chapel is full of dazzling light. The door slowly opens.

SISTER ANGELICA
O Madonna, save me!
A mother begs you,
a mother implores you!
O Madonna, save me!

CHORUS
What Eve sadly took away
you restore to the precious seed:
Let the mourners enter the realm of stars,
Open the gates of heaven!
O most glorious of virgins, hail Mary!

The inside of the chapel is crowded with angels. The Queen of Comfort appears at the door, solemn and with a sweet expression; in front of her there stands a blonde child, dressed in white. The Virgin, with a gentle gesture, urges the child towards the dying woman.

SISTER ANGELICA
Ah!

In the exstasy of the vision she raises her arms towards the child.

CHORUS
Queen of virgins!
Faithful Virgin! Holy Mary!
The child takes one step
Purest Mother! Hail, Mary!
The child takes another step
Tower of David! Hail, Mary!
The child takes a third step.

Sister Angelica sinks gently to the ground, dying. The Miracle shines out in brilliant light.