The Elixir of Love was the result of a commission from a panicked Milanese impresario in 1832. He needed a new opera to replace one that had fallen through, and who better to go to than Donizetti, the man who was known to churn out an entirely new opera in two weeks? The premiere took place on schedule on May 12, 1832. L’elisir d’amore was an instant hit, running for thirty-two further consecutive performances. Well over a century and a half later, it is still going strong—still funny, still melodious, and still bringing down the house. Opera d’Oro’s Grand Tier series presents the best-selling Opera d’Oro titles with libretto and deluxe new packaging at mid-price! Grand Tier reissues the best titles with complete librettos in the original languages and fresh new English translations; stimulating essays on the operas by eminent writers on music; and striking artwork commissioned from Rafal Olbinski. Live performance, Florence, Italy, 1967.