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Verdi wrote his opera to a libretto
written by Antonio Somma, after the text of the prolific librettist
Scribe of Auber's opera produced just previously in Paris.
Verdi's
work was commissioned by the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, but
premiered, due to difficulties with the censors, in Rome at the
Apollo Theatre on February 17, 1859.
The famous popular cry of "Viva
Verdi!" was inspired during the tribulations with the authorities,
as it had the political double-entendre of voicing support for a united
Italy under (the King) Vittorio Emmanuele, Re d'Italia,
as well as for the great composer.
Composers
Production
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ACT I, Scene i
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Officials and convicts sing in praise of Riccardo the Governor (Count, King, etc. depending on the version) while the conspirators Sam and Tom plot and grumble. The Governor arrives, greeting everyone. Oscar gives him a guest list for the forthcoming ball - his beloved Amelia's name is on it, and he is lost in thought. Riccardo sends everybody away, but his secretary Renato (Amelia's husband) arrives. Renato tries to tell him of the conspiracy, but Riccardo despises both treason and the brutal penal system. Renato urges caution: danger to the Governor is danger to the state. The chief magistrate enters, along with the court, with an order to banish Ulrica. Oscar speaks to her
defense. To decide for himself, the Governor declares they are to visit Ulrica incognito; dressed as seamen. Renato is worried, Oscar excited, and the conspirators hope for an opportunity.
ACT I, Scene ii
ULRICA'S CAMP
Ulrica is casting a spell to cure a child. Riccardo arrives early and is hushed by the attendant village women; the spell must not be interrupted. Then Silvano, a lower-level officer, bursts in demanding to have his fortune told. She predicts good fortune. Riccardo secretly makes it come true by quickly writing a promotion and slipping it unseen into Silvano's pocket. A servant interrupts to say Amelia wants to speak to Ulrica. All are sent away, but Riccardo stays hidden. Amelia enters; she wants a cure for the agony of her secret love. The cure, says Ulrica, is a herb to be picked at night by the gallows. Amelia is horrified, but knows she must go. She leaves on hearing the rowdy courtiers who arrive demanding magic displays. Riccardo too wants a demonstration. Ulrica claims she sees the hand of a great man, but is reluctant to reveal the fate she sees in store for him. After some insistence by Riccardo, she says that he is soon to be killed, and by the next man to shake his hand. He laughs at the
idea but no one present will oblige. Renato arrives and Riccardo seizes his hand. Ulrica realises who he is. If she couldn't guess it earlier or foretell her own danger, he says, then she is a harmless fraud. Silvano returns with a drunken crowd to hail Riccardo.
ACT II
THE EXECUTION GROUNDS
Amelia has arrived, veiled and frightened. Can she bear to rid herself of her love? In her panic she sees a ghostly vision. It is Riccardo who approaches. She is incredulous and horrified, but he declares his love and she admits hers. Renato runs in; the conspirators are on their way. Riccardo must escape, but he orders Renato to escort the veiled Amelia home without asking who she is.
The conspirators arrive and demand to know the identity of the woman. To avert violence, she reveals herself. Renato is shattered, Amelia destroyed, the conspirators puzzled but amused. Renato tells them to come to his house the next morning.
ACT III, Scene i
RENATO'S HOUSE
Renato won't hear excuses. He threatens to kill Amelia for her adultery, whereupon she begs to see her son for the last time. He agrees that she may, but that she must then leave forever. His revenge, he realises, should not be on her but on Riccardo. Sam and Tom arrive. Renato shows the proof he has of their treason, which he will refrain from using if he can join them. They are at one, but who will kill Riccardo? Amelia enters to announce Oscar. Renato makes her select one of the names, and she draws Renato's. Seeing his elation, she knows they plan Riccardo's death. Oscar enters with an invitation to a masked ball - their opportunity. All contemplate the evening to come.
ACT III, Scene ii
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Riccardo knows he must end the affair with Amelia. He will write orders for Renato and Amelia to return to England. He muses on his loss. Oscar enters with a letter from an unknown woman - it is a warning of assassination, but he chooses to attend anyway. He must see Amelia one last time.
ACT III, Scene iii
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Renato, Sam and Tom confer at the ball. They know Riccardo has been warned. Renato learns from Oscar that Riccardo is there after all, and insists that he also reveal Riccardo's disguise.
Amelia and Riccardo meet. They quietly bid farewell, but Renato intervenes and stabs him. Dying, Riccardo declares to the court that Amelia is chaste. Renato is overcome with remorse, and all mourn Riccardo's death.
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