NORMA

Norma is based on the libretto of Norma by Felice Romani.

“This is the story of a great love between two people who were very different from one another because of their origins.
Norma was a Gallic priestess, while Pollione was a Roman general.
At that time, Gauls and Romans were at war. This situation did not make it easy for the lovers to see each other, and they had had to meet in secret. Despite everything, their love lasted for years. They were beautiful and very happy together, although they had to face many problems. They also had two children, who were brought up by a friend of Norma’s, since their relationship had to remain a secret.
What happened next?
Pollione fell in love with another woman, younger than Norma, named Adalgisa. Norma’s rage was implacable.
This story was told by Louis-Alexandre Soumet. Then Vincenzo Bellini, a famous Italian composer, re-elaborated the story with music and songs as a lyrical opera. This book is intended for children in order to help them understand the opera by explaining the story it tells. This book was illustrated by children, just like you, who had fun drawing the scenes and characters.
Enjoy your reading!”
Introduction