Valley (Opera)

Act one. Hochstof Village

In honor of the seventieth anniversary of Stromminger, a competition of shooters has been announced. Musician Walter congratulates the hero of the day and entertains the audience with singing. Archers from the neighboring village of Sölden, led by Hagenbach, the son of Stromminger's old enemy, arrive at the contest. At first everything goes peacefully, Hagenbach is trying to establish relations with his father’s former enemy. But gradually, word for word, the old feud comes to life, and Hagenbach offends Stromminger. Residents of Hochstof chase away Hagenbach and his friends from the holiday, and they, despite the requests of Stromminger's daughter Wally to stay, leave. Hellner, who was present at the festival, is in love with Wally, he noticed that she was looking at Hagenbach with interest and was clearly passionate about him. Geller tells the old man about his suspicions and admits that he loves his daughter. Stromminger agrees to marry off her daughter as Geller; even the thought that she can look favorably at his enemy Hagenbach is unbearable to him. The old man calls Valley and declares his will to her - she must marry Gelner within a month, or he will drive her out of the house. Valley says that she would rather live in alpine snows than marry Geller, whom she does not like.

Act two. Sölden. Eagle Tavern

A year has passed. Children are playing in front of the tavern. Local residents gathered to discuss the upcoming holiday in Sölden. Here Walter with his musical instruments. A pastor who came from Hochstoff reports that the old Stromminger is dead and Wally inherited his entire fortune. Hagenbach listens to the news without much interest. He is in love with the mistress of the Afri Eagle tavern. For the holiday, knowing that Hagenbach will be there, Wally comes, but Hagenbach does not pay attention to her. But then, who came after Valley Gelner again confesses his love to her, but Valley rejects him. Gelner, in jealousy, tells Wally that Hagenbach will marry Afra. Valley insults Afra. Encouraged by Afra, Hagenbach invites Wally to a dance. The girl agrees, with the naked eye it is clear that she is in love with Hagenbach. Afra makes a bet that Wally will kiss Hagenbach. And so it turns out. Everyone present is laughing - Afra and Hagenbach have won the bet. Offended by Wally in a rage - summoning Hellner to her, she orders him, if he loves her, to kill Hagenbach.

Act Three. Mountain Gorge

Guests disagree with the holiday that was in Sölden. Valley, Walter and the pastor pass through a mountain gorge. Gelner catches up with them. He should talk to Valley. When they are left alone, Geller agrees to the assassination of Hagenbach. Under cover of darkness, he will attack him and push him into the gorge. Wally is at a loss. Her anger at Hagenbach has already subsided, and the feeling of love for him prevails. Hagenbach passes by, singing. Wally froze in a daze. Suddenly there is a cry and the noise of a falling body. Gölner returns - he fulfilled the requirement of Valley and is counting on a reward. Enraged, Wally pushes him away and calls for help. Runaway residents raise the body of Hagenbach from the gorge. Afra asks to transfer her groom to her in the tavern. Wally agrees to give up Hagenbach to an opponent, if only he would remain alive.

The fourth act. High in the mountains

Valley, depressed and oppressed, roams the mountains. She is accompanied by Walter. He asks the girl to return to the village. Christmas begins and everyone celebrates. Wally refuses and sends Walter away. She has nothing to do in the village with people, she wants to die. Suddenly she hears a voice that calls her. This is Hagenbach, who recovered from the fall and came to admit that he loves Valley, but did not dare to tell her about it. Wally is happy. Lovers will now be together, but you need to go down to the village. Hagenbach goes looking for a path leading down. At this time, an avalanche descends from the mountain and buries it. Valley hesitates for a second, and then rushes into the abyss after his beloved.

• Catalani. Valley. R. Tebaldi , M. del Monaco , J. Guelfi, J. Tozzi, R. Scotto . Conductor K.M. Giulini / La Scala 12/12/1953 / GOP
• Catalani. Valley. R. Tebaldi, J. Prendelli, D. Dondi, I. Jardino, P. Perotti. Conductor A. Bazil / RTI 1960
• Catalani. Valley. R. Tebaldi, M.del Monaco, P. Cappuccilli, H. Dias. Conductor F. Kleva / DECCA 1969
• Catalani. Valley. M.Olivero, A.Zambon, S. Carroli, N.Zaccaria / Bergamo, Teatro Donizetti 10.10.1972 / FOYER

Music aria "Ebben? Ne andrò lontana ”from the opera sounds in Jean-Jacques Benex 's film“ Diva ”.

• Steiner-Knittel, Anna

• The full text of the libretto (Italian)