Don Pasquale, the aging bachelor, decides to marry. Dr. Malatesta has found a bride for him – she just happens to be Malatesta’s sister. Ernesto, Pasquale’s nephew and sole heir, appears, and his uncle says he would like him to wed a wealthy lady. Ernesto refuses as he loves only Norina. Pasquale threatens to disown him, then tells of his own wedding plans. Ernesto leaves, believing Dr. Malatesta has turned against him as well.
Norina's RanchNorina shows Dr. Malatesta a despairing message from Ernesto: he is to be disinherited, and their plans to marry forever postponed.Malatesta proposes they pass Norina off to Don Pasquale as the proposed bride, Sofronia. A phony marriage ceremony will be performed then Norina will make Pasquale’s life a complete misery, until he screams for an annulment!
Ernesto vows to leave forever. Malatesta introduces his shy, veiled “sister Sofronia” to Pasquale. Pasquale is overwhelmed by her charms and immediately proposes, demanding a wedding contract on the spot. Malatesta goes for a Notary, and a fake contract is quickly produced. At first Ernesto is offended, but when Malatesta takes him aside to explain his plan, he consents to act as a witness. The marriage ceremony completed, chaos ensues as “Sofronia” takes over.
Leaving for the opera without Pasquale, Norina “accidentally” drops a note to the floor which he reads when she has left. The letter invites Norina to a romantic rendezvous with an unnamed lover. Pasquale nearly collapses with anger and departs. Malatesta and Ernesto agree, that as soon as Pasquale enters the garden, Ernesto will disappear, undetected. Pasquale returns and, showing Malatesta the letter, explains how much he wishes he had let Ernesto marry whomever he pleased. Malatesta advises Pasquale to expose his wife’s infidelity.
Don Pasquale's GardenErnesto sings a romantic aria. As Pasquale and Malatesta approach, Ernesto escapes. Malatesta convinces Pasquale to let him handle “Sofronia.” He informs her that the widow Norina is about to marry Ernesto, provided Pasquale approves – which he, of course, does. Ernesto is called to hear the news. When “Sofronia” objects, Pasquale insists the wedding take place immediately. He asks to see the new bride. Of course, she is already there, and Malatesta explains the whole scheme. The disoriented old man denounces the couple until they fall on their knees before him. Finally, he forgives them and offers his blessing.