Verdi’s opera “Nabucco“, one of the defining masterpieces of the genre, will be on stage in Portugal, specifically at the Casino Estoril, Centro de Artes de Águeda and Coliseu dos Recreios, on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of November, respectively, performed by the melody, power, and drama of the Hesperian Symphony Orchestra.
“Nabucco” is the composer’s third opera, but it is the one that marks a before and after in his career. With a libretto by Temistocle Solera, it was written in 1842, during the time of the Austrian occupation in northern Italy, and, through several analogies, evoked Italian nationalist sentiment. The Chorus of Hebrew Slaves, in the third act of the opera (Va, pensiero, sull’ali dorate, “Go, thought, on golden wings”) became a symbolic song of Italian nationalism at the time.
This is an opera in four acts that takes place in the ruins of modern Palmyra and tells the story of King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon who confronted the Hebrews and sacked the city.
Briefly, Fenena, daughter of the invading sovereign, and Abigail, supposed daughter of Nabucco, fall in love with Ishmael, nephew of the king of Jerusalem. Abigail discovers that she is not Nabucco’s daughter but a foster slave and vows revenge. Nabucco proclaims himself not only King but also God of the Hebrews. Lightning punishes this irreverence, causing its crown to fall. Taking advantage of the king’s demonstrations of madness, Abigail proclaims herself absolute sovereign, condemning the Hebrews to death. Captive and chained, the Jews nostalgically evoke their lost homeland. It’s time for the famous “Va Pensiero” chorus. Zaccaria approaches and tries to comfort them, telling them that the end of Babylon is near. Fenena converts to Judaism and is taken to the scaffold. Nabucco tries to help her and the king orders the destruction of the temple of the Assyrian idol and decrees immediate freedom for the Hebrews. Abigail appears remorseful for her evil actions, is poisoned, and tries to beg forgiveness, however, she falls lifeless, while Zaccaria crowns Nabucco as king of the Jews.
Opera Nabucco, Verdi’s rich score, is not to be missed!
Technical sheet
Musical direction | Antonio Ariza Momblant
Stage Direction | Ignacio Garcia
Hesperian Symphony Orchestra
LYRICAL DRAMA IN 4 PARTS
Libretto by Temistocle Solera
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