The Silent Woman

Composer: Richard Strauss
Librettist: Stefan Zweig
Company: Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College

Synopsis

Act One

The wealthy retired admiral Sir John Morosus cannot bear noise of any kind, including his chatty housekeeper (with designs on marrying him). His barber urges him to replace her with a docile young wife, insisting many “quiet doves” would be thrilled to marry him. At first Morosus categorically refuses but reconsiders due to his fear of solitude - and then his long-lost nephew Henry appears. Morosus is overcome with delight and decides to make Henry his son and heir rather than getting married.

However, his expectations are quickly dashed when he realizes that the “troupe” accompanying does not include any soldiers but is rather a company of eccentric opera singers including his wife Aminta. Horrified at the dishonor brought upon the family name, Morosus insults the troupe roundly, dismisses them, and disinherits Henry for good measure.

He instructs the barber to seek a silent woman to be his wife immediately. The barber and the vengeful opera troupe hatch a plan to induce Morosus into a sham marriage with a supposedly silent woman, played by Aminta. Once married, she will make Morosus’s life so miserable that he will call for a divorce. And presumably the reinstatement of Henry’s inheritance. All rejoice at the clever plan.

Act Two

The barber introduces three potential brides to Morosus: Carlotta, who acts the role of a country girl; Isotta, playing the role of an affected young socialite; and Aminta as the modest and shy "Timidia." Morosus rejects the first two but is captivated by Timidia. The Barber brings in members of the troupe disguised as a parson and notary. Once Morosus and Aminta are married, the raucous intrusion of other members of the troupe in disguise turns things into a nightmare for the elderly groom. The Barber then rescues him by prompting the “guests” to leave.

While touched by Morosus’s genuine kindness and concern for her, Aminta must still execute the plan, and so she begins making loud scenes and generally wreaking havoc, driving Morosus to desperation. Henry magically arrives to deal with Timidia and put things to rights.

Act Three

Chaos reigns - Timidia, as the new lady of the house, begins to reorganize the house, complete with “handymen" who loudly hammer nails and move in new furniture and a noisy squawking parrot. Henry, disguised as a music master (with Farfallo as accompanist), arrives to offer a noisy singing lesson to Timidia. Morosus is undone by the constant racket and orders the Barber to arrange for a divorce.

Vanuzzi arrives in the guise of a Lord Chief Justice along with Morbio and Farfallo as lawyers. Evidence is heard supporting the charge that Timidia had deceived Morosus about her “virtue” before marrying him, although the Chief Justice maintains that these are not grounds for divorce. The mysterious witness who testifies against Timidia is no other than Henry incognito. Morosus seems to have won his case but the Chief Justice maintains that these are not grounds for divorce due to an omission in the wedding contract.

Morosus despairs until Henry calls an end to the charade and the scheme is revealed. After Morosus realizes he has been duped, his anger turns to laughter as he sees the humor of a troupe of actors outwitting him. He gives his blessing to Henry and Aminta’s union and reinstates Henry as his heir. The opera ends with a monologue by Morosus: “A rare delight it is to find a silent, beautiful girl, but it is more delightful when she belongs to another man.”