Recognizing his voice as that of Romeo, a member of the enemy Montague family, Tybalt swears revenge. A suspicious Tybalt returns to summon his cousin Juliet, and Romeo realizes she is Lord Capulet’s daughter. He is horrified when she identifies herself as Lord Capulet’s daughter. Gregorio, a Capulet retainer, calls the nurse away, leaving Romeo free to woo Juliet (Madrigal: Ange adorable). The nurse reminds her charge that she was herself already married at Juliet’s age, but Juliet is hardly thinking about marriage – she prefers to prolong her youthful dream (Ariette: Je veux vivre). Mercutio drags him away as Juliet appears, talking with her nurse, Gertrude. Suddenly he sees Juliet from afar, and is transfixed by her beauty. Mercutio blithely remarks that his friend has been visited by Queen Mab, who presides over all dreams (Ballad: Mab, la reine des mensonges).Īlready in love with Rosaline, Romeo is assured by Mercutio that at the ball his attention will be drawn to a hundred other girls who will make him forget all about her. When Romeo and Mercutio appear with their friends, Romeo admits his reluctance to attend the ball, having been preoccupied by a troubling dream.

Capulet invites everyone to enjoy themselves. Juliet responds to their admiration and expresses her excitement about the ball. Capulet introduces his daughter to his guests. Tybalt, the host’s nephew, teases Count Paris about Juliet, the latter’s betrothed. Lords and ladies arrive at Lord Capulet’s home for a masked ball (Chorus: L’heure s’envole).

20 romeo and juliet songs