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Duration 2 hours 40 minutes, 1 intermission.

Synopsis of the Opera

Part 1

People gather in front of the court where Dalibor’s trial is to take place. Among those present is Jitka, a girl whom Dalibor took in as an orphan. Despite the impending danger, Jitka is determined to help Dal­ibor. The judges and King Vladislav arrive. Vladislav reads the charge against Dalibor – he and his soldiers raided Ploškovice Castle and killed the burgrave. At the request of Milada, the sister of the deceased, the King sent an army that defeated Dalibor and his followers. The King invites Milada to testify about Dalibor’s actions. Milada recounts the fateful night and the death of her brother, and demands Dalibor’s punishment.

Dalibor is brought before the court. The assembled people wel­come him, and even Milada is surprised by his appearance and demean­our. Dalibor does not deny his guilt. He killed the burgrave in revenge for the death of his friend Zdeněk, who had been captured in battle and executed. Dalibor was merely avenging the death of a friend, and that is a right that he will not surrender even to the King. The unani­mous verdict on Dalibor is life imprisonment. He does not care about life, however, and leaves with the memory of Zdeněk, with whom he hopes to be reunited soon. Milada realises that she has merely been used in a staged trial and begs the King for mercy, but she is refused. Jitka sees her agitation and convinces her to help her free Dalibor.

Jitka and Dalibor’s followers are waiting for the arrival of her dear Vítek. She tells him that Milada has joined their side. Disguised as a boy, she has entered the prison and, when the time is right, she will give them a signal. Vítek’s comrades tease the two lovers and they then go resolutely into action. Not all of them will return, however.

Part 2

Commander of the Guard Budivoj reminds Jailor Beneš that utmost vigilance is needed, as Dalibor has determined followers who might try to free him. He also looks suspiciously at Milada disguised as a boy. Beneš explains that he is a beggar boy he has taken in out of pity. Milada brings dinner, but Beneš has one more task to be done. He tells Milada that Dalibor, who is being held down in the deepest dungeon, has asked him for a violin. Beneš wants to take him his own old instrument, and Milada offers to take it to him herself.

In a dream, Dalibor sees Zdeněk playing the violin. If only he had that instrument at least to remind him of his friend and his art. Mila­da arrives and hands him the coveted violin. She begs his forgiveness and reveals herself to Dalibor. He forgives her everything and prom­ises to be a brother and a friend to Milada to make up for her slain brother.

Budivoj brings news to the King and the judges of the planned liberation of Dalibor. He brings in Beneš, who tells about the young man he has taken into service. He has turned out to be a traitor and a spy; today he has disappeared, leaving behind only a bribe for his si­lence. Vladislav hesitates and leaves it to the judges to decide on the next course of action. They are convinced that leaving Dalibor alive is a danger to the state, for which reason he must be executed imme­diately. Vladislav continues to hesitate, but finally agrees to have the sentence carried out that same night.

Dalibor is ready to escape, but just as he is about to give the agreed signal with the violin, a string breaks. Budivoj bursts into the cell with the guards and tells Dalibor that the betrayal has been uncovered. To Dalibor’s delight, however, he reveals that the mysteri­ous boy has disappeared without trace. Budivoj announces the sen­tence that has been passed on him. Dalibor is surprised, but finally accepts his death proudly – Zdeněk is waiting for him and Milada will soon join them.

Milada along with Jitka and the armed women are waiting for Dalibor’s signal. But the tolling of the death knell and the chanting of the monks ring out into the night. Milada realises that Dalibor has been betrayed and leads everyone into a desperate battle. One by one, Dalibor’s followers fall dead, including Milada.

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