Giuseppe Verdi
Nabucco
Staged in the Italian original with Czech, English and German subtitles. The performance lasts about 2 hours 50 minutes, including two intervals.
All people are created as equal.
The Old Testament story of the capture of the Jewish people by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was the inspiration for Giuseppe Verdi´s first really successful opera. Probably no one imagined at the premiere that Solera’s originally rejected libretto would be transformed into an iconic work in Verdi´s hands, but the immediacy, passion and temperament of the music captivated the audience, and rightly so. And then there is also the story of a nation longing for a homeland and for freedom, a story which still hasn’t lost its power and relevance, and whose personification is the famous choral piece “Va, pensiero, sull’ali dorate” (Go, thoughts, on golden wings…). Just as with other works by Verdi, Nabucco also hides another more intimate layer about love and family relationships, and the composer portrayed these with the feeling of a true playwright. It is no wonder that this opera, full of magnificent choral sections and captivating singing parts, has been one of the most popular works in our repertoire for thirty-five years.
Premiere: June 29th 2021 in Janáček Theater
Synopsis of the Opera
Act I Terrified people gather in Solomon’s Temple to pray for the salvation of Israel from the Babylonian armies led by King Nabuchodonosor (Nebuchadnezzar). The Jewish High Priest, Zaccaria, encourages everyone and urges them to have faith. Fenena, the daughter of the Babylonian king, is also in the temple; her love for Ismaele brought her to Jerusalem. Now, however, Zaccaria and the other Jews turn against her as an outsider. Fenena is left alone with Ismaele, but it is difficult to think of love at such a moment. They are interrupted by the ambitious Abigaille, Fenena’s half-sister, who has secretly infiltrated the temple. She loves Ismaele, but he rejects her affection. Nabuchodonosor invades the temple with his army, and Zaccaria threatens to kill Fenena unless the Babylonian king retreats. Ismaele prevents him at the last moment, thus becoming a traitor in the eyes of his people. Nabuchodonosor orders his troops to destroy and plunder the temple.
Act II Abigaille discovers that Nabuchodonosor, whom she loves and looks up to, has hidden the fact that she is not his daughter, but the child of slaves. Deeply wounded, she decides to take revenge on the King and get rid of Fenena, who has been entrusted with the regency of Babylon and stands in Abigaille’s way to the throne. The High Priest of Baal joins her side. The defeated people of Israel have been dragged into exile in Babylon. Fenena, who has converted to Judaism, tries to protect them. The Israelites have not forgotten Ismaele’s betrayal and curse him. Abigaille arrives with the High Priest; she announces that the King is dead and demands the royal crown from Fenena. Fenena refuses, and the conflict is interrupted by the arrival of Nabuchodonosor, who proclaims himself a god. Punishment follows his blasphemy, and a half-insane Nabuchodonosor strikes the ground.
Act III The Babylonians celebrate Abigaille. However, to complete her plan and eliminate the Jews, she needs Nabuchodonosor’s seal. She convinces him to confirm the death sentence for the Jewish captives. Too late, the King realizes he has also condemned his daughter Fenena, and he pleads with Abigaille for mercy in vain. The enslaved people of Israel long for a return to their homeland and the defeat of their enemies. Zaccaria calls for courage and prophesies the destruction of Babylon.
Act IV Imprisoned, Nabuchodonosor hears voices from afar calling the name of Fenena, who is condemned to death. The King regrets his actions and asks Jehovah for forgiveness. Suddenly, his loyal commander Abdallo arrives with soldiers, bringing a message of Babylon’s liberation from Abigaille’s rule. Ismaele, Zaccaria, and Fenena await death. The execution is interrupted by the arrival of Nabuchodonosor, who orders the destruction of the idol Baal and grants the people of Israel their freedom. Abigaille is haunted by the horrific deeds she has committed. She repents for her actions, but for her, forgiveness comes too late.
