Battle of Legnano (opera)

Verdi planned to write an opera on a historical plot in the fall of 1848. Initially, the composer opted for Francesco Gverazzi's novel The Siege of Florence. ^[1] However, Verdi later changed his mind and chose the play of Joseph Mary “The Battle of Toulouse” as the basis for the opera (the play was quite popular in Italy). The historical canvas of the opera is the victory of the Italians over the German conquerors in 1176. In the battle of Legnano, the forces of the united Lombard cities defeated the army of the German emperor Frederick Barbarossa .

The libretto for the opera was written by Salvatore Cammarano , with whom Verdi later worked on the opera Louise Miller . In general, Verdi arranged the text written by Kammararano, however, the composer reworked a number of scenes and, in particular, the final scene in which Arrigo dies. The opera premiered on January 27, 1849 in Rome. The Italians enthusiastically greeted Verdi's opera, the last act was performed twice. ^[2]

The Battle of Legnano concludes the cycle of the composer's early heroic operas. ^[3]

I action. Risen

The Teutonic Knights, led by Frederick von Barbarossa, invade Lombardy, crushing the Italian troops. Simple people stand up to defend their homeland. In Milan - the king of the Lombard cities - people flock with the singing of the hymn “Glory, Motherland”. The Milan commander Rolando recognizes in the crowd his friend - the Verona knight Arrigo, whom everyone considered dead in the battle with the German knights many years ago. Arrigo tells his story. He was seriously injured, captured, was sold into slavery, but managed to escape. The troops of the free Lombard cities are determined to free their homeland ...

Palace of Rolando. Lida, the wife of Rolando, recalls the parents who fell at the hands of the conquerors, the bridegroom who died in battle. At that difficult time, she was supported by the Milan knight, whose wife she became. Her friend Imelda reports that Arrigo has returned from captivity and is eager to meet with Lida. The Teutonic Knight, Dr. Markovaldo, captured and held captive by Rolando, is not the first time trying to make love to his master’s wife. Enter Rolando and Arrigo. The young man, having learned that Lida is the wife of his friend, is shocked and faints. He is left in the care of Markovaldo. The sounds of trumpets announce the arrival of a messenger: the city of Como refuses to join the “free Lombardy” league, and Rolando’s decisive intervention is necessary. The knight of Milan must leave his wife and friend. Left alone with Lida, Arrigo accuses her of treason.

II action. Barbarossa

Senate of the city of Como. Senators refuse to join the union of free cities. Arrigo and Rolando try to convince the council with fiery speeches and calls for the unification of their homeland. They warn the rulers of Como that the descendants will not forgive them for treason. Friedrich von Barbarossa, who appeared, orders the residents of Como to lead their troops against the Lombards. Then the senators decide to enter the battle with the German knights.

III action. Disgrace

Dungeon of the Milan castle. The night before the battle. The knights swear to do everything possible to save their homeland. With them and Arrigo. The meeting ends with a solemn anthem in honor of free Italy.

Lida learns that the young man leaves with the troops at dawn. Perhaps he will not understand that she loved only him. Imelda agrees to hand the note to the Verona knight. Rolando comes to say goodbye to his wife and son. He firmly believes that his child will grow up in free Italy. Rolando says goodbye to Arrigo.

Captured crusader Markovaldo managed to intercept the letter of Lida and handed it to Rolando. The knight rushes into the chambers of Arrigo. There he finds his wife, who came to say goodbye to her lover. Rolando angrily locks traitors in a high tower. Now Arrigo will not be able to take part in the battle and will forever cover himself with shame. From the square comes the singing of knights leaving for a decisive battle. The young man jumps out of the window. Miraculously surviving, he joins the Lombard forces.

IV action. Death for the Fatherland

The townspeople go to the square and look forward to hearing from the fields of Legnano. Among them is Lida. Appeared consuls report the defeat of the Teutonic Knights. The battle of Legnano is won. They bring in a seriously wounded Arrigo, to whom Rolando is approaching. He understands the nobility of a friend and forgives him and his wife. The brave Veronet dies, glorifying the freedom of Italy. Knights and townspeople sing a hymn in honor of victory: a great future awaits their homeland.

• Solovtsova, L. Verdi. - Moscow: Music, 1981. - S. 112-117.

• Italian libretto opera