If comedy is to catch at the heart, tragedy is never far away. L’Elisir D’Amore, essentially a comic opera, depends on an underlying pathos which has always challenged successful presentation.

Heartless Adina, warbling Cosi fan tutte, teases Belcore but will love Nemorino, suicidal at her initial rejection.

Annabel Arden’s 2007, freeze-frame, off-centre production, sweeps the “rustici” in robust song and dance, with Gilbertian soldiery and hilariously comic stage business from James Bellorini.

American soprano Joelle Harvey with an extraordinarily supple voice of great beauty, range and power, was infinitely touching one moment and dramatically fiery the next.

Debut newcomer Christopher Tiesi appeared to gain confidence and vocal strength, finally producing Una Furtiva Lagrima with Caruso breath and ringing tones, but perhaps this was a demonstration of shy Nemorino moving towards a credible domination of his rival more than first night nerves.

In his debut role as Belcore, baritone Alessandro Luongo, with magnificent swagger, insouciantly switched affection to the charming Giannetta of Sadhbh Dennedy.

Bravo Riccardo Novaro for playing Dulcamara for laughs and bravo the Quartet at the end of Act One for ensemble singing which stung the eyes.

The Glyndebourne Tour orchestra were empathetically conducted by Pablo Gonzalez.