Synopsis

Finding himself outside the country house of the Pasha, Belmonte encounters the surly overseer Osmin, who answers his questions with belligerent suspicion before chasing him off. Pedrillo, now working in the Pasha’s gardens is in love with Blonde but she has been given as a slave to Osmin. The two men jealously loathe each other and Osmin makes it clear the fate he believes Pedrillo deserves.

Left alone, Pedrillo spies Belmonte. Master and servant are overjoyed to see each other again and Pedrillo quickly concocts a plan to gain Belmonte admission to the palace. Belmonte is, though horrified to learn that Konstanze is beloved by the Pasha, who seeks to make her one of his wives.

The Pasha arrives with Konstanze, who is sad and pensive. Selim assures her that he will never seek to force her love but is hurt and angry when she confesses her love for Belmonte. He gives her one more day to consider.

Pedrillo introduces Belmonte to the Pasha as an architect who hopes to gain employment in the palace. Selim invites him to stay and talk in due course. Osmin appears and tries to bar their way but the two men push him aside and enter the palace grounds.

Blonde does her best to keep the amorous Osmin at bay. As an Englishwoman, she refuses to accept her condition of slavery, to Osmin’s huge frustration.

Konstanze thinks sadly of Belmonte but the time allotted her by the Pasha is up. Her refusal to love him makes the Pasha explode in anger, threatening her with violence. Konstanze is defiant and Selim is confounded once more.

Pedrillo and Blonde steal a few moments together and he tells her of the escape plans. She is overjoyed and rushes off to tell her mistress. Pedrillo drugs some wine and persuades Osmin to drink with him. The sleeping draught soon takes effect and Osmin is safely put out of the way. In the utmost secrecy, the lovers finally are re-united. The plans are quickly discussed but joy soon gives way to doubt as Belmonte and Pedrillo ask questions about their respective lovers’ fidelity. The two women are wounded and angry. The men beg forgiveness and peace and joy are restored.

Late at night outside the palace, Belmonte’s Dutch sea captain Klaas helps with the ladders for the escape. As he waits for the appointed hour, Belmonte thinks of Konstanze with rapture. Pedrillo gives the signal with a serenade. Konstanze descends from her window and she and Belmonte make for the harbour but when Pedrillo tries to rescue Blonde, Osmin suddenly appears and they are discovered. Guards drag Belmonte and Konstanze before him and Osmin gloats in bloodthirsty triumph.

The Pasha is roused by the alarm. Belmonte reveals his identity and offers to pay a ransom; his family is wealthy and noble and his father’s name is Lostados, the Commandant of the Spanish colony in Oran. Selim recognises Belmonte as the son of his sworn enemy, who once destroyed his happiness and drove him from his homeland. He leaves to consider his revenge. Belmonte and Konstanze resolve to die with courage together.

Selim returns and delivers his judgement. He will not stoop to the level of Belmonte’s father. All four are given their freedom and he renounces his claim on Konstanze. Osmin rushes away in rage. The mercy and humanity of the Pasha are praised and the lovers leave.

David McVicar