Rodriguez_LA CURANDERA_PV_32044

La Curandera

Comic Opera in One Act

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(Piano/Vocal Score )

Music

Libretto

Mary Medrick

G.Schirmer, Inc.

La Curandera

Synopsis

The opera is set in present-day Tepoztlán, an actual village near Mexico City known for its curanderos/curanderas, practitioners of folk magic.

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Scene One. It is afternoon in the outdoor lobby of the fictitious Hotel Tepoztecatl, named for the Aztec god of the alcoholic drink, pulque. The elderly and distinguished General Godofredo de la Barca (bass) enters, accompanied by his pretty young nurse, Dionisia (mezzo-soprano). Ramón (baritone), proprietor of the hotel, has just given an annual fiesta in honor of the famous General de la Barca. All three, especially the guest of honor, are happily tipsy, and they join in a threeperson conga line. General de la Barca expresses his gratitude to Ramón for the tribute and to Dionisia for her devoted care. La Curandera (contralto) enters, inquiring about The General’s health and about his American grand-nephew, Alberto, whom The General has not seen since the funeral of his beloved wife, Estela, two years ago. When The General and Dionisia leave, Ramón asks La Curandera about the potion she has given him to bring more lucrative tourist business to his hotel. La Curandera scoffs at his doubts and assures him of the power of her magic.

Scene Two. Later that same day, The General’s grand-nephew, Alberto (tenor), and his fiancée, Alba (soprano), count their luggage in an American airport, on their way to pay “Uncle Godo” a surprise visit. Alberto warmly recounts his childhood with “tio Godo” and “tia Estela” in Mexico, and the couple agree to name their first child “Godofredo,” after Alberto’s celebrated, and now only living, relative. Alberto leaves for a moment to get a luggage tag. While he is gone, the cell phone in his bag rings. Alba answers and hears a woman’s voice asking in Spanish for Alberto. Alba, not understanding the language, hangs up. When Alberto returns, Alba confronts him as to the woman’s identity, but he brushes off her question and hurries her onto their flight.

Scene Three. That evening in Tepoztlán, on the patio of General de la Barca’s hacienda, The General repairs his deceased wife’s silver watch and muses on the passing of time. Dionisia enters, brightly, bringing him a delicious dinner. She jokes, teases and dances with him. Soon he cheers up and observes, as she leaves, that “Time is the cure!”

Scene Four. The next morning, Alberto and Alba arrive at the Hotel Tepoztecatl and check in with Ramón. Alba, obviously upset, again questions Alberto about the suspicious female caller with the “beautiful voice.” Ramón tries, in vain, to follow their heated argument, as Alba presses Alberto for the woman’s name and Alberto persists in his innocence. Alberto further enrages Alba by repeatedly correcting her faulty Spanish. When Alba storms off to the room, Ramón tries to console Alberto. Alberto dejectedly calls Dionisia to arrange the surprise visit, sans fiancée, with his uncle. He tells Dionisia of his misunderstanding with Alba, and Dionisia suggests that Alberto send Alba to La Curandera for a dose of her magic. Dionisia tells Alberto that she will bring his uncle to meet him at La Curandera’s house. Ramón reluctantly promises Alberto that he will take Alba for her visit, and he calls La Curandera to make an appointment.

Scene Five(Finale) is set in La Curandera’s house, where the interior and exterior are both clearly visible. Inside, La Curandera gleefully awaits her new American client. Ramón brings Alba to the door and convinces her to ring the bells. Before Alba can ring them, the bells ring by themselves, and La Curandera invites her inside. Alba tells La Curandera she doesn’t think she can help her. La Curandera roughly answers that, if Alba doesn’t believe that magic can help her, then she should leave. Taken aback, Alba decides to stay, and she accepts La Curandera’s offer of tea. Instead of serving Alba tea to drink, however, La Curandera throws tea leaves over Alba’s

head “to purify the air.” Little by little, La Curandera presses Alba to reveal her suspicions about the mysterious voice of the “other woman” on the telephone. When La Curandera cleverly pretends to agree with Alba about Alberto’s philandering ways, Alba abruptly changes her attitude and begins, instead, to defend Alberto and to affirm her trust and love for him. Alberto approaches the house in the midst of the proceedings, and throughout the scene, Alberto and Ramón listen outside La Curandera’s door. They comment and speculate nervously on the action inside as La Curandera performs a series of intense and exotic incantations, waving herbs, lighting candles, giving Alba a flower to hold and taking her pulse (to “listen” to her “blood”), eventually causing Alba to swoon.

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When General de la Barca and Dionisia arrive, uncle and nephew are joyously reunited. Alberto and Dionisia finally meet in person, and Alberto discovers that Dionisia was the mysterious female caller. All anxiously await the outcome of Alba’s continuing encounter with La Curandera. The scene culminates as Alba crushes the flower, which, La Curandera declares, has absorbed all of Alba’s jealous suspicions.

At the moment Alba emerges, however, she sees Alberto kissing Dionisia, and she immediately assumes the worst. The old argument erupts anew. Eventually, however, Alba learns that Dionisia is The General’s nurse and that she had called Alberto to invite him to visit his uncle, with Alberto not knowing who she was and with Dionisia not knowing that he was already on his way. With everything understood, Alberto is finally able to present his fiancée to his beloved uncle. Ramón, encouraged by The General and Dionisia, renews his hope for La Curandera’s promise of a more prosperous life, and Alba and Alberto again declare their love for each other. La Curandera comes out to join the happy scene. She meets Alberto and receives his thanks, and, in a joyous finale, everyone praises La Curandera for her magic and her wisdom. There is general rejoicing as the curtain falls.

Notes

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La Curandera (2005) is a comedy in one act, commissioned by Opera Colorado. The premiere production in 2006 was presented on a double bill with Mozart’s Bastien und Bastienne (1768). The libretto of La Curandera is based on an original story inspired by Mozart’s three-character opera. The new Mexican setting replaces the original sorcerer with a curandera, or practitioner of folk healing and magic, and adds three additional characters. Although the libretto is primarily in English, there are frequent Spanish words and phrases, including many popular proverbs and idiomatic expressions from both Mexico and Spain. The libretto also incorporates actual curandera incantations, rituals and procedures from Mexican folklore as well as from current practice in Mexico and in the United States. In treating the natural and the supernatural as two sides of the same coin, the central character of the opera, La Curandera, embodies what conductor/ composer Eduardo Mata described as an essential feature of his childhood in Mexico, “living close to witches and sorcerers. Their sons and daughters were my friends. I grew up in a world where magic and the interplay between the real and the objective and the unreal and the magic coexisted on a daily basis. This [syncretism] has been a way of life in many of the cultures of Hispano-America...”

The music of La Curandera, likewise, pays homage to Mozart, with a Mexican flavor. The six singers are joined by eight instrumentalists: clarinet (doubling alto saxophone), trumpet, bass trombone, percussion, accordion, piano, violin and cello. In the overture, the distinctive entrance music for Mozart’s sorcerer is heard, then transformed into sounds of mariachi. Authentic Mexican melodies are employed throughout the opera, including the national anthem, Mexicanos al grito de guerra, the traditional march, Zacatecas, the folk song, La chinita and several melodies, textures and harmonic patterns derived from the traditional son jarocho-style music of Veracruz: El guapo, Coni coni, El huerfanito, El borracho, El buscapies and La bruja. Arias, spoken dialogue and accompanied recitative alternate with intricate opera buffa ensemblesin a score filled with Rodriguez' characteristic "richly lyrical" (Musical America) writing, in a style "romantically dramatic" (Washington Post) and full of the composer's "all-encompassing sense of humor" (Los Angeles Times).

English Translations of Some Spanish Phrases

Valor sin dolor - Valor without pain

Valor sin temor - Valor without fear

Como México no hay dos – There is no place like Mexico

Con nuestros hijos llenos de gloria – With our sons filled with glory.

Como El General tampoco hay dos. – There is also no one like The General.

Un laurel para él de victoria – A laurel of victory for him

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¿Listo? - Ready?

Hasta la próxima vez – See you later

Dudas – Doubts

Tio, Tia – Uncle, Aunt

Vajilla de plata – Silver place setting

Empanadas sabrosas – Delicious turnovers

Relojito – Little watch

Muy amable – Very nice (of you)

Querida – Dear

Mujeres – Women

Espíritu de los siete cielos - Spirit of the Seven Heavens

Espíritu de la llama sagrada – Spirit of the Sacred Flame

Espíritu del misterio y la oscuridad – Spirit of Mystery and Darkness

Espíritu de belleza y deseo – Spirit of Beauty and Desire

Espíritu deamor– Spirit of Love

Dios los crea, pero ellos se juntan. – God made them, but they got together on their own. (Those two deserve each other.)

El amor sin celos no es amor. – Love without jealousy is not love.

Amor es locura – Love is madness

La Curandera se arreglará. – The Curandera will fix (everything).

Tú debes amarla con todo el corazón. – You must love her with all your heart.

Casamiento y mortaja del cielo bajan. – Heaven decides when we die and whom we marry.

Hijo, Hija – Son, Daughter (used to address young people)

¿Que puedo hacer? – What can I do?

Así es la vida – That’s life

De aquí en adelante – From now on

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I. Overture

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Subito misterioso (q = 84; e = 168)

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party sounds)

II. Scene One

(Lights up on the open-air lobby of the Hotel Tepoztecatl in the village of Tepoztlán, Mexico. Off-stage party sounds continue.)

Allegro brillante q = 132

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(The elderly and distinguished General Godofredo de la Barca enters in full-dress military regalia, gloriously tipsy. He is supported by his pretty young nurse, Dionisia. She wears a white uniform with a short skirt.)

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(Celebration is, again heard from within the hotel. Ramón, the hotel proprietor, enters, throwing confetti after the General.)

R. G. ñor! ñor! ñor!

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(The General gets carried away and grabs Dionisia around the waist to begin a conga line....)

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¡Sí, señor, - sí, señor, - sí, se¡Sí, señor, - sí, señor, - sí, senorcon valor! - ¡Valor - sin dolor! -

ñor,

(...Ramón grabs the General’s waist to steady him and finds himself joining the dance for a few steps...) sí, señor, - sí, señor, - sí, señor, sí, señor, - sí, señor, - sí, se -

¡Honor - con valor! - ¡Valor, -

R. G.

ñor, ¡Sí, señor! -

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ñor, ¡Sí, señor!sin temor! - ¡Ho -

¡Sí, señor, sí, señor, - sí, se¡Sí, señor, sí, señor, - sí, senorcon valor! - ¡Valor - sin dolor! -

R. G.

ñor, sí, señor, - sí, señor, - sí, se -

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ñor, sí, señor, - sí, señor, - sí, se -

¡Honor - con valor! - ¡Valor, -

ñor, ¡sí, señor! -

ñor, ¡sí, señor! - Comosin temor! -

(... before helping Dionisia take hold of the General to settle him down.)

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Co mo -Mé xi -co-no _haydos,

Mé xi -co - no_haydos, connues

Co mo -Mé xi -co-no haydos,

connues tros -hi jos -llenos- deglo ria. -

hi jos -lle nos-deglo ria. - como_el -

connues tros -hi jos -llenos- deglo ria. -

R. G.

Co mo _ el -ge ne-ral-tampo--co_haydos.

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gene-ral-tampo-co_hay - dos. - ¡Un lau¡Sí,se-sfz

¡Un laurel-para_ el -devic-to - ria! rel para_ el - devic-to - ria!

ñor!

¡Victo - ria!

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Andantino affetuoso q = 104

Andantino affetuoso q = 104

pa tient-ly, - asif Iwere yourown.

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Allegretto grazioso q = 138

Don Go do, our lit tle - vil lage - holds

Allegretto grazioso q = 138

D. G. you dear. Your fam i ly’sI would be lone ly-with out - you.

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R. far a way, - but you make us hap pyDon Go do, our

R.

G. here. Yes, dear Gen eral, lit tle - vil lage - holds you My wife is

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though your fam i -ly’ - far a waydear Your fam i ly’sgone, my fam i-ly’s - far a

R. G. we are grate ful -to have you... far a way, - but you have us hap py...way, but you make me...

Subito misterioso q = 84

(La Curandera is suddenly heard, singing offstage)

La Curandera: ¡A

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(Then she enters, still singing, wearing a lace mantilla.)

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145

Adagietto movente e = 176

¡Hola,- Gene-ral! - Howwas yourfiesta?(She chuckles at his dishelveled state)

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147

Poco ritenuto e = 160 C. Uptoitsusu al-stan dards,-Isee. (Pulling Dionisia aside) Howis he?

subito sostenuto

A tempo e = 176

149

Poco ritenuto e = 160

(As Dionisia and La Curandera talk, Ramón picks up a broom and begins sweeping up the confetti. The General supervises.)

Areyoutak ing-himhome?

A tempo e = 176

Sí,seño-ra. - He’s

Poco ritenuto e = 160

A tempo e = 176

hadabigday, andhe’soff hisfeet.

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A tempo e = 176

Remem-ber-myhierbassubito sostenuto

inhisbath tohelp himsleep.

Pobre-ci-to.- sinfa -

Agrandneph ew-inthestates. 3 milia.sostenuto

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isallhehas: Alber-to.- Hewashere

atTia Este-la’s-funeral,- two years ago.3

She was love ly, - his wife for for ty-years.

(A sudden inspiration, spoken)

Ah! Do you know how to call the nephew? Perhaps it’s time for a visit.

(Conspiratorially, spoken)

I do have a number for emergency, but I have never needed it. Thank you, señora, for the excellent advice.

Allegretto q = 120

¿Lis (to the General) to?- Gra (to Ramón) cias.- Has (to La Curandera) ta -la (to the General and Dionisia)

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Adiós(to the General and Dionisia)

Adiós(to Dionisia) ¡Listo!- Gra (to Ramón) cias.- Has (to La Curandera) ta -la

Allegretto q = 120

pró xi -ma-vez. pró xi -ma-vez.

(Ramón interrupts his sweeping and approaches La Curandera)

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Success-willcome toyou.

(shushing her)

(He looks around to be sure no one is listening.)

Maybe- yes, maybe-no,

fornow that’s oursecret.- Only- if success-comes,

then youandyour po tions-willgetthecred it.

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Isee, Señorknow,andno onewilllaugh.

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ritard.

po forlittle-aches andpains, howcouldIdeserve-respect - from

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why?

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Thisisnot howyou weretaught:

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todoubt andnever- trust theearth.

(Confidentially, gradually drawing him in)

poco rall.

Yourmother- came tome threedays af ter-your

birth. “A blessing- formychild,” sheasked, “Curansfz

de ra,- porfavor.” - “Make himstrong and veryloco

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wise. And one thing more.”

(drawing out the suspense)

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“If hecomes to you forwealth,

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(Ramón is taken aback; then he realizes La Curandera has been putting him on, and the two of them have a good laugh.)

himout thedoor!”

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Youonly-see whatyousee.

Ionly-see whatIsee,

Youonly-know whatisknown.

Ionly-know whatisknown.

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You’llwaituntil - you’reshown.

(Ramón hesitates for a moment...) I’ll (...then answers, true to form.) waituntil - I’mshown.

263

(He sweeps the confetti back into the hotel, and La Curandera exits, with a wink.)

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(...then fade as Alba and Alberto, young engaged couple, rush in with luggage. Alba wears very high heels.)

Iseve ry-thing-here? Ourplane willbeboard ing-

Ithink so oh, Alber-to,-this soon.

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Ican’t even-“ha (with a strong American accent) blar -espa-ñol.” - Are you sure we should’nt tell your Uncle we’re coming? What if he’s not there? (Spoken) (Spoken)

He’ll be there. Besides it’ll spoil the surprise.

Sil ver? -

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butnow thattí a _ Es -te - la’s -

I remem - bergone, hestays alone - inhishouse.

Subito meno mosso, adagio expressivo e = 144

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see, TíoGo do _ and-tía _Esste-la-raisedmyfather.- Thenwhen

Papa-camehere, Istayed withtheminMex i -co-until-he 70

sentforme. WhenIleft tíoGo do-had

Tío-Godotearsinhiseyes.

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TíoGo do-soldsil ver,-tía _ Es -

tía-Esste-laste la ---madepies.

Poch. movente e = 152

Poch. movente e = 152 78

ta -

Vaji-lla-depla ta, - sil ver-forthe

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brosasthescent ofwarmpies. Now that my parents and tía Estela are gone, (spoken) sostenuto pp

he is my only family. I want to surprise him with the beautiful girl I’m going to marry.

He’ll (spoken, aproximate rhythms) beproud. AndwhenI haveason,

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when we haveason, Iwantto namehim...

(playfully interrupting him)

(thinking it over)

(then getting used to it.)

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Godo-fre-do -

Godo-fre-do -

Tempo I e = 200

(4+4+3)

(Alberto rushes off. Alba digs around in her bag, finds more sensible shoes and starts changing into them...)

We’d better hurry!

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(... when a cell phone rings. She sees that it’s not hers and looks around for Alberto, then she tries the various pockets of his bag until she finds it...)

(... and answers it.) (spoken)

Hello (pause) Hello. Oh..., uh, hola. Who is it? (comical American accent) No comprende Español. (just then Alberto returns with the tag for the bag. Startled, she hands him the phone.) Your phone... it rang. It was a woman...

(spoken)

I don’t know. All I got was “Hola, Alberto...” She was talking so fast... all in Spanish, then she hung up. Who could it be?

What did she say?

120

I don’t know. Come on, let’s go.

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The plane is boarding!

(Alberto exits, gathering up the luggage...) (... but Alba pauses, disturbed.)

(spoken) She sounded pretty... (She thinks for a moment.)

We’ll see about that!

Allegretto deciso e = 200

IV. Scene Three

(... then turns on her heel and follows him off.)

(4+4+3)

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Più mosso q = 132

(Airport noises return,...)

(... then fade, as the scene changes to the patio of the General’s hacienda in Tepoztlán.)

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Poco più mosso e = 160

(The General listens to the watch...)

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(He chuckles. Dionisia enters, carrying the General’s supper) Dionisia:

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Cada-co sa-asutiem po,- atime forev’ ry-thing.-

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A tempo, andante grazioso q = 80

Cada-co sa -asu tiempo-

A tempo, andante grazioso q = 80

Cada-co sa-asutiem po,- atime forev’ ry-thing.sim.

Cada-co-sa-asutiempo,- sí, señor! -

Cada-co-sa-asutiempo,- sí, señor! -

(The General and Dionisia dance a stately little dance.)

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(At the finish, they bow to each other and clap.)

(Spoken) And now... (pointing to his dinner) it’s time to eat. Pollo con

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Then you must go to bed. It has been a busy day.

G. Gracias, señorita. (Spoken) You dance like my Estela.

Gracias, Don Godo. I will come back en la mañana to make your breakfast. (He watches her thoughtfully as she leaves.)

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(He smiles and picks up Dionisia’s package.)

(Blackout)

(It is the next morning. Alberto and Alba arrive with luggage.) (Alba is conspicuously upset...)

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(... and pulls away from Alberto...) p

(... as they approach the desk.) (rushing forward to greet them) Ramón: Bue nos -

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Oh! Señor Alberto! You have come to visit. Your uncle will be so happy to see you.

I am Alberto de la Barca, (Spoken) the grand nephew of General Godofredo de la Barca.

(Spoken)

Yes, but don’t tell him yet. I want to surprise him with my fiancée. Can you help me set it up?

Of course, señor. We will call his nurse to arrange your surprise. They were just here for a party yesterday. I will give you her number.

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(Spoken, to Alberto)

(pronounced to rhyme with “howza”)

You should tell me the truth, if I’m going to be your “espouza,” Justtell meher 33 (Spoken, to Alba)

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You mean “esposa.” Remember, “o” is like “ought.” And there’s no “z” sound in Spanish.

più mosso q = 132 A tempo, più mosso q = 132

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Poco

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R. Albervoice I know that. ¡Ay, muje-res!-

Isee theproblem.- You’reintrouble!- ¡Ay, muje-res!-

R. to Alber¡Ay, mujer-es!- ¡Ay,ayay! ¡Ay,ayay!

¡Ay, mujer-es!- ¡Ay,ayay! ¡Ay,ayay!

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¡Ay,ayay! ¡Ay,ayay! ¡Ay,ayay! ¡Ay,ayay!

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Don’t bother-coming- with me.

(...then she stops...)

Grandioso q = 108

(...and suddenly turns back to confront Alberto.)

(with exaggerated sweetness) “So la - -

(letting out a squeal of frustration.)

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(spoken)

“Solamente” means “only.” If you mean “alone,” then you need to say “sola.”

144

(The two men watch her leave...)

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R. (... and continue to stare for a moment, in disbelief.) (spoken) Is she always like this? pp

150 Albt.

R. (spoken)

No, only as our wedding approaches. I don’t know what to do. How can I get her to trust me?

151

Allegretto q = 120

Thanks, Ramón. For now I’ll call my Uncle’s nurse. (spoken)

I wish I could help you, Señor.

Allegretto q = 120

(Alberto walks a few steps away and dials his cell phone.) (spoken, aside)

This is why I will have no wife, only this hotel.

A man who tries to please a woman will only have trouble.

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(Lights up on Dionisia, phone to her ear, on the opposite side of the stage from Alberto talking, in pantomime, with him.)

Adagietto misterioso e = 168

(spoken, as if continuing their conversation)

I know someone who might help you, Alberto. A woman...

(spoken)

Really? Who is it?

A woman! Oh, no! That’s all I need...

Adagietto misterioso e = 168

Not that kind of woman, Alberto... ...a magic woman, ... La Curandera. We have many of them here in Tepoztlán.

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She has cures... ... like a doctor... ... for all kinds of problems, even romantic problems.

If you could get your fiancée to visit her,... ...she might forget her suspicions.

(spoken, listening to Alberto’s side of the conversation)

Curandera?

Don’t tell me she casts spells! Is she a witch?

People still believe she has powers... crazy woman! (aside)

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Not the way the Americanos think. (she laughs)

She uses a broom only to sweep her house.

If the señorita believes in magic, La Curandera could put her at ease.

... to meet her. Adiós.

Take Alba to La Curandera. I’ll bring the General there...

190

Albt. (aside)

191

ritard. molto (colla voce)

Alba would not go to see this Curandera,... especially if I suggest it.

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But Ramón could take her there! (idea)

(Alberto looks around for Ramón and sees that Ramón has been right behind him, listening.)

Ramón... ... tell her that a visit to La Curandera will make me faithful forever. She’ll go! (objecting)

But Señor... I don’t know... I don’t like to get involved in the personal business of my guests...

Andantino q = 100

194 (Alberto takes out his wallet and hands Ramón some bills.)

(Ramón thinks it over for a moment, ...)

Good! Make an appointment. Then Tell Alba you have an important message for her. (... then relents.)

Well, since you are the grand-nephew of the great Godofredo de la Barca, I will try to help you.

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200 poco rit. (Before Ramón can respond, Alberto exits.)

e = 168

(Ramón turns back to the hotel desk...) (... and reluctantly picks up the telephone.) 203

I (muttering, to himself) only-see whatIsee (He grudgingly punches three digits...) Ionly-know whatis

known, (... then two more...) andifthere’san y-thing-more tolearn,

212

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(... then two more...)

I’llwaituntil-Iamshown. (... and then the last one.)

216

(He listens while the phone rings three times...) (... followed by a click.) (speaking, after a pause, with professional politeness) Hola... (blackout)

VI. Scene Five (Finale)

(Scene change to La Curandera’s brightly colored house, with both the exterior and living room portion of the interior clearly visible.)

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(Inside are a table, a chair, a flask, an image of La Virgen de Guadalupe, candles, incense, hanging peppers and garlic, flowers, brancehs of herbs, bottles of oils, a jar of tea leaves, sheets of parchment, a pen, a cloth bag, eggs, and other props associated with Mexican magic.)

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

love flow is er a to love hold that to is her strong, heart, you and will some tell tea me and the some right spice words in to the say. air, And our we’ll two

ISSUU Version for perusal only

all lov mf know ersbe will fore not -ver stay y a -long, part,if and the my lov mag ers icare will lov calm ers ev -to erystay. care.

3

Allegro spiritoso q =132

If... If... (coyly, enjoying herself...) you... you... are... are... sick, sad, (... then with playful abandon) you you come come and and see see La La Cu Cu ran rande dera, ra,La La Cu Cu ran ran--

de de ra, ra,La La Cu Cu ran rande dera. ra.You’ll You f feel will much be bet hap p sub. ter pywhen that you you see met La La Cur Cu ran ran--

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

But señorita Alba! I have promised La Curandera you would come to visit.

pp 3

Everyone who visits Tepoztlán must see “La Curandera,...” and she wants to meet you, too.

But I don’t believe in magic. And I don’t even speak the language.

How can I talk to a magic woman in a foreign country?

Ah, but La Curandera doesn’t need words! She always knows what is in the heart.

colla voce

(pause)

Adagio misterioso q. = 63

ISSUU Version for perusal only

It is easy to doubt her power. I have asked her to make me very rich...

Adagio misterioso q. = 63

p sostenuto 133

And are you rich?

So? What of the magic?

No, I am not.

Well then...

But I believe I could be. (with conviction)

She is a good woman,... at least talk to her. Come, put aside your doubts, and ring the bells.

(Alba works up the courage and timidly raises her hand...) molto

ISSUU Version for perusal only

(... but before she can touch the bells, they suddenly begin ringing, as if by themselves. La Curandera opens the door and Alba jumps back.)

(to Ramón, frightened, sotto voce)

Stayrighthere, please! < > you.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

154

Gracias,- Ramón. -

(Ramón and La Curandera exchange nods, and Ramón remains outside, pacing nervously, as La Curandera leads Alba slowly into the house.)

pp fp f

159

Subito più mosso q = 84

(Inside, Alba looks around incredulously at La Curandera’s props.) (waving her to a chair)

Sithere, chica...33 pp

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Adagio espressivo e = 144 181

Adagio espressivo e = 144

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Howdid you know? trouble- withalover?-

mosso q = q. = 72 Più mosso q = q. = 72

Youcan do that? (La Curandera studies her young subject.) Firstsometea.

Well, thatwouldbenice.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

(La Curandera scoops up some tea leaves, but instead of brewing them, she tosses them over Alba’s head.)

Itwillpur i -fy -

Moderato e = 216 (q = 108) 192 a tempo

(Taking a branch of Rosemary, she waves it, slowly at first, then more and more vigorously over Alba’s shoulders.)

(with intensity)

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Allegro q = 132

(Alba extends her palm, as if for a reading. La Curandera brushes it with the rosemary.)

ISSUU Version for perusal only

youryoung man. (Alba closes her eyes and, outside, Alberto rushes in.)

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Don’t do that! It’snot Al(rushing to the door)

Don’t do that!

Shhhh! They’ll (pushing him back) hear you,señor.3

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Alba do?

(La Curandera holds up a bouquet of flowers and begins to whirl with it in a circle.)

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Albt.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

its.(La Curandera again assumes a trance-like attitude, hands in the air, palms up...)

Whataridic-u-lous-question!-

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

e = 208

Howcan youbesure?

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Iamsure heloves me!

Howcan youbesure, seño-ri-ta?sure. Sheloves me! Sheloves me!

e = 208

Howcan youbesure, se ñor? -Howcan youbesure, señor? -

Più allargando e = 176 Più allargando e = 176

(Alba swoons, and La Curandera fans her and massages her temples to comfort her. Outside, Dionisia and the General arrive. Dionisia steadies him at first, but when he sees his nephew, he leaves her behind.)

¡TíoGodo!-

General: ¡Mi_hijo!( f ) dolce ed espressivo

Albt.

(Uncle and nephew embrace.)

ISSUU Version for perusal only

¡Québue no!¡Québue no!p sub.

And ¡Dosa ños- yquéhom bre -aho - ra! -

Dionisia: How (to Ramón, pointing to the house) isitgo ing-inthere?

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Inside-withLaCuran-de - ra.isshe?

Subito meno mosso

(Chanting, her hands on Alba’s head)

295 R. (to Dionisia) a piacere Af ter-themag (imitating La Curandera) ic, Al (in his own voice) ba-mayneed a

ISSUU Version for perusal only

(Dionisia and Ramón muffle their laughter, fingers to their lips.) Don’t No,amis un-der-stand-ing-between-us.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Oh,yes! Then

worry.- Ifyoulove him,LaCu ran -de-ra-se _arre-gla-rá. -

Oh,yes! Asyouloved tía _ Este-la.-

worry.- Ifyoulove her,LaCu ran -de-ra-se _arre-gla-rá.299

what

(La Curandera holds Alba’s hands in hers, and, together, they squeeze the flower. Outside, the General waves at Dionisia to join him and Alberto.) canIdo? I’llshow you... Alber - to,- youre -

ISSUU Version for perusal only

mem ber -Dio-ni - sia,- mynurse, mysaint. 301

Albt. (to Alberto)

Apleasure- tomeet youinper son, -Alread y-friends. I

ber to. - On ly-yes ter-day-Itriedto

ISSUU Version for perusal only

(La Curandera takes the daisy from Alba and dramatically showers her with the petals.)

ISSUU Version for perusal only

G. Ofcourse! Itwas you! 3 (to Dionisia) Itwasyou! 3 (to Dionisia) Itwas 3

Thesepet als-havetak en -up allyour you!

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Whenyoutell her,she’llhave nomore ofher jealous-suspi - cions.

D. C.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

R.

jealous-suspi - cions.Nowyou mustfind itin your Whenyoutell her,she’llhave nomore ofher

R. G. Andthen she’llfind itin her heart totrust Alber - to,Nomore ofherjealous- suspi - cions.jealous-sus pi - cions. -

Túde bes -a -

ISSUU Version for perusal only

G. inmyheart tolearn totrust him

heart totrust you,Alber - to,withyourwhole heart, andthen she’ll find itin her

mar la

ISSUU Version for perusal only

withyourwhole heart, conto do _ el cora- zón.Sí,

heart totrust you, conto do _ el -cora- zón, -

R. conto do _ el -cora- zón.la _ amo - conto do _ el -cora- zón. -

withherwhole heart.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

(repeating after La Curandera)

Ca f sa- -

Ca f sa-mien-toy-mor -

Ca f sa-mien-to _ y-morta - ja,-

Ca f sa- -

Ca f sa-mien-toy-morta - ja,-

Ca f sa-mien-to _ y-morf

G.

Andantino amoroso q = 132

mien to _ y-mor ta - ja, -

ISSUU Version for perusal only

del cielo-ba jan.(La Curandera leads Alba to the door,...)

ta ja, - del cielo-ba jan. - You will

del cielo-ba jan. - You will

mien to _ y-mor ta - ja, -

del cielo-ba jan. -

del cielo-ba jan. - You will

ta ja, - del cielo-ba jan. - You will

Andantino amoroso q = 132

ISSUU Version for perusal only

We will walk through life to -

walk through life to geth - er. - Through life to -

walk through life to geth - er. - Through life to -

We will walk through life to -

geth (... hugs her, then disappears into her house. Outside, Alberto and Dionisia embrace warmly, kisses on both cheeks.)

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Allegretto deciso e = 200

(4+4+3)

Allegretto deciso e = 200 322

(4+4+3)

molto ritard. molto ritard.

(Just then, Alba comes out of the door, ringing the bells, and sees them kissing. Alberto and Dionisia draw back, startled.) (to Dionisia) Thank mf you!

(to La Curandera) Thank mf you!

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

(Dionisia extends her hand to Alba. Alba is confused by Dionisia’s calm.) Who

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Adagietto e = 168

ISSUU Version for perusal only

poco riten. D. Iwashop ing-youwouldvis it,(laughing) butyouwere alp a tempo a tempo

read y-onyourway! ...and she suggest(imitating La Curandera) ed-“La Curan- -

dera” - to (in his own voice) bless ourmar riage. -

ISSUU Version for perusal only

e = 168 380 R.

(The General and Dionisia turn to Ramón as he approaches them. Alba remains with Alberto, hugging Ramón.)

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ButI’mstill notrich! LaCuran-de - ra’s-mag ic-

But (to Ramón) thereisalways- hope. Cada-cosa- asu mustworkbet ter-forlove thanformoney- better-forlove, Butthereisal ways-hope.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

tiempo.- Asíthanformoney.- But Cada-cosa- Asu

R. G. eslavida.whatcanIdo? ¿Quepue do -hatiempo.- Así -

D. R. G.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Al a piacere ber -to -

así-eslavida.- ¡Síseñor!cer?Así-eslavida.- ¡Sí,señor!eslavida.- ¡Sí,señor!colla voce

Adagio amoroso e = 126

I’msor ry -Idoubt ed-you.

Idon’tknow whatwas wrong withme. Ilove you

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Iknow youlove me conto do _ el-

Ilove youwithall myheart

rit.

399 poco rit. poco rit. a tempo a tempo

cora- zón,Tea mo-conto do el -cora-a tempo a tempo

Tea mo-conto do _ el -cora- zón. (bells ring...)zón.

Tea mo-conto do _ el -cora- zón. -

LaCuran-

(... as La Curandera opens her door and comes outside to join the happy scene. The General warmly takes her hand and brings her to Alba and Alberto.) Mylight fromnowon.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Curan-de - ra,- comejoin us. Estela’s-

I (to the General) see thattheyworked itout Alba,-mylight fromnowon. de ra’s-come tosee them. Nowthatthey areback to -

Cu (to La Curandera) ran -de - ra,- comejoin us. Estela’s-

ISSUU Version for perusal only

De aquí enade- lan -te.smiling-onus inheaven.- ThankyouforhelpingjustasIthought theywould.

De _aquí - enade- lan -te.gether,- de _aquí enade- lan -te.smiling-onus inheaven.- Thankyouforhelping-

Thank (to La Curandera) you,seño - ra.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Al ba-and Alber - to. -

(to La Curandera)

Thankyou,seño - ra. -

Al ba-and Alber - to. -

poco rit. poco rit.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

allknewbefore-very-long, thatthelov ers-arelov ers-tostay.

Yes,our Sotheir

Yes,our Sotheir

Moderato q = 108

loveisalove thatisstrong, andshefound alltheright wordstosay, andwe

loveisalove thatisstrong, andshefound alltheright wordstosay, andwe

sotheirlove isalove thatis strong, andIfound alltheright wordstosay.

loveisalove thatisstrong, andshefound alltheright wordstosay, andwe

loveisalove thatisstrong, andshefound alltheright wordstosay, andwe

sotheirlove isalove thatis strong, andshefound alltheright wordstosay.

Moderato q = 108

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

LaCu ran -de-ra, - LaCu ran -de-ra. -

LaCu ran -de-ra, - LaCu ran -de-ra.de ra. - Youwill be

LaCu ran -de-ra, - LaCu ran -de-ra. -

LaCu ran -de-ra, - LaCu ran -de-ra. -

LaCu ran -de-ra, - LaCu ran -de-ra. -

ISSUU Version for perusal only

mag ic - isall ittakes.

G.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

lalala lala laCuran- de -ra - ¡No es lalala lala laCuran- de -ra - ¡No es

lalala lalala

ran -de-ra -

lalala lala laCuran- de -ra - ¡No es lalala lala laCuran- de -ra - ¡No es

lalala lalala

LaCu ran -de-ra -

ISSUU Version for perusal only

lalala lala laCuran- de - ra, - a little-

ISSUU Version for perusal only

lalala lala laCuran- de - ra, - a little-

lalala lalala LaCu ran -de-ra -

lalala lala laCuran- de - ra, - a little-

lalala lala laCuran- de - ra, - a little-

lalala lalala

LaCu ran -de-ra -

mag ic - is allittakes! La, la,la

ISSUU Version for perusal only

mag ic - is allittakes! La, la,la

alit tle-mag ic-isall ittakes!

mag ic - is allittakes! La, la,la

mag ic - is allittakes! La, la,la

alit tle-mag ic-isall ittakes!

G.

435a Poco grandioso e = 200

takes!

ISSUU Version for perusal only

¡Viva-LaCu ran -de - ra! -

takes!

¡Viva-LaCu ran -de - ra! -Vi va -LaCuran-takes!

takes!

takes!

¡LaCuran-de - ra! - ¡Sí,se -

¡Viva-LaCu ran -de - ra! -

¡LaCuran-de - ra! - ¡Sí,se -

takes!

Poco grandioso e = 200

¡Viva-LaCu ran -de - ra! -Vi va -LaCuran-f

Subito più mosso q = 144

ISSUU Version for perusal only

LaCu ran -de - ra. -

de ra, -

LaCu ran -de-ra -

LaCu ran -de - ra, - LaCuran- -

ñor! ¡Sí,señor! - ¡Sí,señor! -

LaCu ran -de - ra. -

LaCu ran -de-ra -

ñor! ¡Sí,señor! - ¡Sí,señor! -

de ra, -

Subito più mosso q = 144

LaCu ran -de - ra, - LaCuran- -

ISSUU Version for perusal only

LaCu ran -de de ra, - LaCu ran -de

¡Sí,señor!-LaCu ran -de

LaCu ran -de

¡Sí,señor!-LaCu ran -de de ra, - LaCu ran -de

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Subito misterioso q = 84

ossia: 8va exultantly

(playfully imitating her)

¡A fp f yí! ¡Ya! ff gliss. (La Curandera laughs and everyone cheers.)

(playfully imitating her)

ISSUU Version for perusal only

¡A fp f yí! ¡Ya! ff gliss.

(playfully imitating her)

¡A fp f yí! ¡Ya! ff gliss.

(playfully imitating her)

ossia: 8va ¡A fp f yí! ¡Ya! ff gliss.

(playfully imitating her)

¡A fp f yí! ¡Ya! ff gliss. gliss. ff fp f

A tempo, allegro e = 200

ISSUU Version for perusal only

¡La f Curan- de - ra! -

¡La f Curan- de - ra! -

¡La f Curan- de - ra! -

¡La f Curan- de - ra! -

¡La f Curan- de - ra! -

¡La f Curan- de - ra! -

A tempo, allegro e = 200

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Stop Conga—lead audience clap-along

Co moMé xi -co-no _haydos,

Mé xi -co - no_haydos, connuestros-

Co moMé xi -co-no haydos,

Co moMé xi -co-no _haydos,

Mé xi -co - no_haydos, connuestros-

Co moMé xi -co-no haydos,

G.

connues tros -hi jos -llenos- deglo ria. -

ISSUU Version for perusal only

hi jos -lle nos-deglo ria. - Como-La

connues tros -hi jos -llenos- deglo ria. -

connues tros -hi jos -llenos- deglo ria. -

hi jos -lle nos-deglo ria. - Como-La

connues tros -hi jos -llenos- deglo ria. -

Como-LaCu ran -de-ra - tampo-co_ hay-dos.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Curan-de-ra - tampo-co_ hay-dos. ¡Un lau¡Sí, se -

Como-LaCu ran -de-ra - tampo-cohay-dos.

Curan-de-ra - tampo-co_ hay-dos. ¡Un lau ¡Sí, se -

¡Un laurel - devicto - ria!

ISSUU Version for perusal only

rel para_ e -lla-de victo - ria! Comoñor! ¡Victo - ria!

¡Un laurel - devicto - ria!

rel para_ e -lla-de victo - ria! Como-

ñor! ¡Victo - ria!

poco accel. poco accel.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Co mo -Mé xi -co-no _haydos,

Mé xi -co - no_haydos, connues

Co mo -Mé xi -co-no haydos,

Co mo -Mé xi -co-no haydos,

Mé xi -co - no_haydos, connues

Co mo -Mé xi -co-no _haydos,

R. G.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

connues tros -hi jos -llenos- deglo ria. -

hi jos ossia: - lle nos -deglo ria - Como-la

connues tros -hi jos -llenos- deglo ria. -

connues tros -hi jos -llenos- deglo ria. -

hi jos -lle nos-deglo ria - Como-la

connues tros -hi jos -llenos- deglo ria. -

Como-LaCu ran -de-ra - tampo-co_ hay-dos.

ISSUU Version for perusal only

Curan-de-ra - tampo-co_ hay-dos. ¡Un lau¡Sí, se -

Como-LaCu ran -de-ra - tampo-cohay-dos.

Curan-de-ra - tampo-co_ hay-dos. ¡Un lau ¡Sí, se -

ISSUU Version for perusal only

¡Un laurelossia: devicto - ria! ¡Olé! -

rel par_ ae lla -de victo - ria! ¡Olé!ñor! ¡Victo - ria! ¡Olé! -

¡Un laurel - devicto - ria! ¡Olé! -

rel par_ ae lla -de victo - ria! ¡Olé! -

ñor! ¡Victo - ria! ¡Olé! -

a tempo a tempo