ErnaniMusic by Giuseppe Verdi (1813 - 1901)
Text by Francesco
Maria Piave, after the drama by Victor Hugo
First performance March 9th,
1844 at the Fenice Theatre, Venice |
|
| Synopses |
|
| Act 1 |
|
|
Come rugiada al cespite - Ernani (Tenor) Ernani, a Spanish
nobleman turned bandit chieftain, sings to his men of his love for Elvira.
Whilst describing her beauty, he deplores the news that she is being forced to
marry the elderly grandee, de Silva.
Ernani!, Ernani involami - Elvira (Soprano) Elvira is about to
be married, against her will, to the elderly Don Gomez de Silva. She longs for
her lover Ernani to come and rescue her.
Infelice! e tu credevi - De Silva (Bass) Elvira is to be
married, against her will, to the elderly Grandee, de Silva. He bursts into her
bedroom to find not only his betrothed, but two rivals, Ernani and the King,
both claiming her love. De Silva bitterly reproaches Elvira. |
|
| Act 2 |
|
|
Vieni meco, sol di rose - Carlos (Baritone) Elvira is betrothed
to De Silva, an elderly nobleman, who has given shelter to the outlaw Ernani,
his rival for Elvira's love. Don Carlos, King of Castile, also in love with
Elvira, arrives at De Silva's castle searching for Ernani. He tells De Silva he
will not punish him for sheltering Ernani, but demands Elvira as a hostage. He
promises Elvira every happiness if she will accept his love. |
|
| Act 3 |
|
|
O! de' verd' anni miei - Carlos (Baritone) King Carlos has
concealed himself in the shadowy vaults at Aix-la-Chapelle, close to the tomb of
Charlemagne. He is waiting for the band of conspirators whom he knows will be
meeting there. If he is elected Emperor, he pledges, he will commit himself to
the happiness and well-being of his subjects.
O sommo Carlo - Carlos (Baritone) Carlos invokes the memory of
his namesake, Charlemagne, whose nobility of character he sees as a pattern for
his own future actions, including pardon for those who have been conspiring
against him. Everyone acclaims him as the equal of his illustrious predecessor. |
|
