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"Nabucodonosor" is an opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Temistocle Solera, based on the Biblical story and the 1836 play by Auguste Anicet-Bourgeois and Francis Cornue.
It is Verdi’s third opera and the one which is considered to have permanently established his reputation as a composer.
Nabucco follows the plight of the Jews as they are assaulted, conquered, and subsequently exiled from their homeland by the Babylonian King Nabucco.
The historical events are used as background for a romantic and political plot.
Its first performance took place on 9 March 1842 at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan under the original name of Nabucodonosor.
The definitive name of Nabucco for the opera (and its protagonist) was first used at a performance at the San Giacomo Theatre of Corfu in September, 1844.
Nonetheless, a more plausible alternative for the establishment of this abbreviated form claims that it was the result of a revival of the opera in Teatro Giglio of Lucca.
The best-known number from the opera is the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves,
Va, pensiero, sull'ali dorate
Fly, thought, on golden wings.
-- a chorus which is regularly given an encore when performed today.
The soprano role of Abigaille has been perceived as the downfall of a number of singers. Elena Souliotis and Anita Cerquetti sang it before they were ready and its high tessitura arguably damaged their voices.
Certainly, their careers were not long ones.
Maria Callas sang it only three times.
Only a live performance from 1949 was recorded.
It is interesting to hear that in this recording 'Va pensiero' was interrupted by much shouting but the chorus carried on.
When it was repeated the audience was silent and then at the end they showed enthusiastic applause.
Leontyne Price and Dame Joan Sutherland refused to sing it.
Cristina Deutekom, Marisa Galvany, Ghena Dimitrova, Dunja Vejzovic, Hilda Holzl, and Jadranka Jovanovic were recent exponents of the role.
Although not as frequently performed as some of Verdi's other operas, Nabucco is still heard around the world today.
It has been on the Metropolitan Opera's roster since it was first presented there during the 1960/61 season.
It is the only early Verdi opera, apart from Ernani and Luisa Miller, which has received regular performances at the Met in recent times, having been presented in 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005.[3]
Nabucco is also regularly performed at the Arena di Verona, where it was presented in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2011.[4]
Amongst the performances preserved on DVD are those at the Arena di Verona (1981 and 2007); La Scala (1987), Opera Australia (1996), Vienna State Opera (2001), Metropolitan Opera (2002), Genoa's Teatro Carlo Felice (2004), Teatro Municipale di Piacenza (2004), and Austria's St. Margarethen Opera Festival (2007).[5]
Many other companies have also performed it, including San Francisco Opera in 1982, Sarasota Opera in 1995, London's Royal Opera House in 1996, the New National Theatre Tokyo in 1998, Teatro Colón in 2000, Baltimore Opera in 2006, and the Teatro Regio di Parma in 2008 as part of their on-going "Festival Verdi". [6] Nabucco was presented by the Michigan Opera Theatre and the San Diego Opera as part of their 2009-2010 seasons. The Israeli Opera is celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2010 with Nabucco at Masada. The opera has been performed at the Bolshoi Theatre each year since 2006.[citation needed]
Verdi commented.
This is the opera with which my artistic career really begins.
And though I had many difficulties to fight against, it is certain that Nabucco was born under a lucky star.
The opera was an instant success, dominating Donizetti's and Giovanni Pacini's operas playing nearby.
While the public went mad with enthusiasm, the critics tempered their approval of the opera.
One critic who found Nabucco revolting was Otto Nicolai, the composer to whom the libretto was first offered.
A Prussian-bred man, Nicolai felt at odds with emotional Italian opera while he lived near Milan.
After refusing to accept the libretto proposal from Merelli, Nicolai began work on another offer called Il Proscritto.
Its disastrous premiere in March 1841 forced Nicolai to cancel his contract with Merelli and return to Vienna.
From there he learned of the success of Nabucco and was enraged.
"Verdi's operas are really horrible," he wrote. "He scores like a fool — technically he is not even professional — and he must have the heart of a donkey and in my view he is a pitiful, despicable composer ..."
Additionally, he described Nabucco as nothing but "rage, invective, bloodshed and murder.
Nicolai's opinions were in the minority, however, and he has today become comparatively obscure.
Nabucco secured Verdi's success until his retirement from the theatre, twenty-nine operas (including some revised and updated versions) later.
Music historians have long perpetuated a powerful myth about the famous Va, pensiero chorus sung in the third act by the Hebrew slaves.
Scholars have long believed the audience, responding with nationalistic fervour to the slaves' powerful hymn of longing for their homeland, demanded an encore of the piece.
As encores were expressly forbidden by the government at the time, such a gesture would have been extremely significant.
However, recent scholarship puts this and the corresponding myth of Va, pensiero as the national anthem of the Risorgimento to rest.
Although the audience did indeed demand an encore, it was not for "Va, pensiero" but rather for the hymn "Immenso Jehova," sung by the Hebrew slaves to thank God for saving His people.
In light of these new revelations, Verdi's position as the musical figurehead of the Risorgimento has been correspondingly downplayed.
At Verdi's funeral, the crowds in the streets spontaneously broke into "Va, pensiero".
Roles
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 9 March 1842 (Conductor: - Eugenio Cavallini) |
|---|---|---|
| Nabucco, King of Babylon | baritone | Giorgio Ronconi |
| Abigaille, supposedly his elder daughter | soprano | Giuseppina Strepponi |
| Fenena, his daughter | mezzo-soprano | Giovannina Bellinzaghi |
| Ismaele, nephew of the King of Jerusalem | tenor | Corrado Miraglia |
| Zaccaria, high priest of the Jews | bass | Prosper Dérivis |
| Anna, Zaccaria's sister | soprano | Teresa Ruggeri |
| Abdallo, Babylonian soldier | tenor | Napoleone Marconi |
| High priest of Baal | bass | Gaetano Rossi |
| People, soldiers | ||
Synopsis
Act 1: Jerusalem
- 'Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I shall deliver this city into the hand of the King of Babylon, and he will burn it with fire' (Jeremiah 21:10)
The Israelites pray as the Babylonian army advances on their city. The High Priest Zaccaria tells the people not to despair but to trust in God (D'Egitto là su i lidi / "On the shores of Egypt He saved the life of Moses"). The presence of a hostage, Fenena, younger daughter of Nabucco, King of Babylon, may yet secure peace (Come notte a sol fulgente / "Like darkness before the sun"). Zaccaria entrusts Fenena to Ismaele, nephew of the King of Jerusalem and a former envoy to Babylon. Left alone, Fenena and Ismaele recall how they fell in love when Ismaele was held prisoner by the Babylonians, and how Fenena helped him to escape to Israel. Nabucco's elder daughter, Abigaille, enters the temple with Babylonian soldiers in disguise. She, too, loves Ismaele. Discovering the lovers, she threatens Ismaele: if he does not give up Fenena, Abigaille will accuse her of treason. If Ismaele returns Abigaille's love, however, Abigaille will petition Nabucco on the Israelites' behalf. Ismaele tells Abigaille that he cannot love her and she vows revenge. Nabucco enters with his warriors (Viva Nabucco / "Long live Nabucco"). Zaccaria defies him, threatening to kill Fenena if Nabucco attacks the temple. Ismaele intervenes to save Fenena. Nabucco orders the destruction of the temple, while Zaccaria and the Israelites curse Ismaele as a traitor.
Act 2: The Impious One
- 'Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth, it shall fall upon the head of the wicked' (Jeremiah 30:23)
Nabucco has appointed Fenena regent and guardian of the Israelite prisoners, while he continues the battle against the Israelites. Abigaille has discovered a document that proves she is not Nabucco's real daughter, but the daughter of slaves. She reflects bitterly on Nabucco's refusal to allow her to play a role in the war with the Israelites and recalls past happiness (Anch'io dischiuso un giorno / "I too once opened my heart to happiness"). The High Priest of Baal informs Abigaille that Fenena has released the Israelite captives. He plans for Abigaille to become ruler of Babylon, and with this intention has spread a rumour that Nabucco has died in battle. Abigaille determines to seize the throne (Salgo già del trono aurato / "I am ready to ascend the bloodstained seat of the golden throne").
Scene 2: A room in the palace
Zaccaria reads over the Tablets of Law (Vieni, o Levita / "Bring the tables of the law"), then goes to summon Fenena. A group of Levites accuse Ismaele of treachery. Zaccaria returns with his sister Anna and Fenena. Anna tells the Levites that Fenena has converted to Judaism, and urges them to forgive Ismaele. Abdallo, a soldier, announces the death of Nabucco and warns of the rebellion instigated by Abigaille. Abigaille enters with the High Priest of Baal and demands the crown from Fenena. Unexpectedly, Nabucco himself enters; pushing through the crowd, he seizes the crown and declares himself not only king of the Babylonians but also their god. Zaccaria curses him and warns of divine vengeance; an incensed Nabucco orders the death of the Israelites. Fenena reveals that she has embraced the Jewish religion and will share the Israelites' fate. Nabucco is furious and repeats his conviction that he is now divine (Non son piu re, son dio / "I am no King! I am God!"). There is a crash of thunder and Nabucco promptly loses his senses. The crown falls from his head and is picked up by Abigaille, who pronounces herself ruler of the Babylonians.
Act 3: The Prophecy
- 'Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein'. (Jeremiah 50:39)
Abigaille is now Queen of Babylon. The High Priest of Baal presents her with the death warrant for the Israelites and Fenena. Nabucco, still insane, tries to reclaim the throne without success. Abigaille tricks him into signing the death warrant. When Nabucco learns that he has consigned his daughter to death, he is overcome with grief and anger. He tells Abigaille that she is not his true daughter but a slave and searches for the document to prove it. Mocking him, Abigaille produces the document with the evidence of her true origins and tears it up. Realizing his powerlessness, Nabucco pleads for Fenena's life (Oh di qual onta aggravasi questo mio crin canuto / "Oh what affront I must suffer in my old age"). Abigaille is unmoved and orders Nabucco to leave her.
Scene 2: The banks of the River Euphrates
The Israelites long for their homeland (Va pensiero, sull'ali dorate / "Fly thought on golden wings; Fly and settle on the slopes and hills"). Zaccaria once again exhorts them to have faith: God will destroy Babylon. The Israelites are inspired by his words.
Act 4: The Broken Idol
- 'Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.' (Jeremiah 50:2)
Nabucco awakens, still confused and raving. He sees Fenena in chains being taken to her death. In despair, he prays to the God of the Hebrews. He asks for forgiveness, and promises to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and convert to Judaism if his prayers are answered (Dio di Giuda / "God of Judah! The altar, your sacred Temple, shall rise again"). His strength and reason are immediately restored. Abdallo and loyal soldiers enter to release him. Nabucco resolves to punish the traitors and rescue Fenena and the Israelites.
Scene 2: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Fenena and the Israelite prisoners are led in to be sacrificed (Va! La palma del martirio / "Go, maid, go and conquer the palm of martyrdom"). Fenena serenely prepares for death. Nabucco rushes in with Abdallo and other soldiers. He declares that he will rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem and worship the God of the Israelites, and orders the destruction of the idol of Baal. At his word, the idol falls to the ground of its own accord and shatters into pieces. Nabucco tells the Israelites that they are now free and all join in praise of Jehovah. Abigaille enters, supported by soldiers. She has poisoned herself. She asks the forgiveness of Fenena, prays for God's mercy and dies. Zaccaria proclaims Nabucco the servant of God and king of kings.
Orchestration
Nabucco is scored for two flutes (one doubling as piccolo), two oboes (one doubling as English horn), two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, three trombones (two tenor, one bass), one cimbasso, timpani, bass drum, cymbals, side drum, triangle, two harps, strings, and an onstage band.Recordings
| Year | Cast (Nabucco, Abigaille, Zaccaria, Ismaele, Fenena) | Conductor, Opera House and Orchestra | Label[12] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Paolo Silveri, Caterina Mancini, Antonio Cassinelli, Mario Binci, Gabriella Gatti | Fernando Previtali, Orchestra Sinfonica e Coro di Roma della RAI | Audio CD: Warner Fonit 8573 82646-2 |
| 1965 | Tito Gobbi, Elena Souliotis, Carlo Cava, Bruno Prevedi, Dora Caral | Lamberto Gardelli, Vienna State Opera Orchestra and Chorus | Audio CD: Decca Cat: 417 407-2 |
| 1982 | Piero Cappuccilli, Ghena Dimitrova, Evgeny Nesterenko, Placido Domingo, Lucia Valentini Terrani | Giuseppe Sinopoli, Deutschen Oper Berlin | Audio CD: DG Cat: DG 410 512-2 |
| 1987 | Renato Bruson, Ghena Dimitrova, Paata Burchuladze, Bruno Beccaria, Raquel Pierotti | Riccardo Muti, La Scala, Milan Orchestra and Chorus | DVD: Warner Cat: 5050467-0944-2-0 |
| 2002 | Juan Pons, Maria Guleghina, Samuel Ramey, Gwyn Hughes Jones, Wendy White | James Levine, Metropolitan Opera | DVD: DG, live recording Cat: B0006O9M6S |
| 2004 | Alberto Gazzale, Susan Neves, Orlin Anastassov, Yasuharu Nakajiima, Annamaria Popescu | Riccardo Frizza, Teatro Carlo Felice Orchestra and Chorus | DVD: Dynamic, live recording Cat: 33465 |
| 2004 | Renato Bruson, Maurizio Frusoni, Lauren Flanigan, Carlo Colombara, Monica Bacelli | Paolo Carignani, Teatro San Carlo Naples Orchestra and Chorus | DVD: Brilliant Classics, live recording Cat: 92270 |
| 2007 | Leo Nucci, Maria Guleghina, Carlo Colombara, Fabio Sartori, Nino Surguladze, | Daniel Oren, Arena di Verona Orchestra and Chorus | DVD: Decca, live recording Cat: DDD 0440 074 3245 7 DH |
References
- ^ Giuseppe Verdi website, "Life and Operas: Nabucodonosor "
- ^ Budden, Verdi, p. 20
- ^ Metropolitan Opera,Repertory Statistics
- ^ Arena di Verona, Performance Archives
- ^ Royal Opera House DVD Catalog
- ^ Parma's 2008 "Festival Verdi"
- ^ Werfel and Stefan, from "An Autobiographical Sketch" (1879), p. 92
- ^ Parker, Leonora's Last Act, 1997
- ^ Parker, "Verdi and Milan", 2007
- ^ Phillips-Matz, p.765
- ^ Parts of this synopsis were first published on Opera japonica (Archived 15 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine; author: Simon Holledge) and appear here by permission.
- ^ Recordings on operadis-opera-discography.org.uk
- Budden, Julian, Verdi, (The Master Musicians series), London: J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd, 1985. (The book actually refers to 'Teatro Giglio of Corfu', but there was never a theatre with this name in Corfu)
- Phillips-Matz, Mary Jane (1993). Verdi: A Biography (1st ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-313204-4.
- Parker Roger, (ed), "Nabucodonosor": Dramma Lirico in Four Parts by Temistocle Solera (the works of Giuseppe Verdi), Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1988 ISBN 978-0-226-85310-9 ISBN 0226853101
- Parker, Roger, "Verdi and Milan", lecture including details about Nabucco, given at Gresham College, London 14 May 2007.
- Werfel, Franz and Stefan, Paul (trans. Edward Downes), Verdi: The Man in his Letters, New York: Vienna House, 1973, p. 122. ISBN 0-8443-0088-8
- Budden, Julian. The Operas of Verdi, Vol. 1. London: Cassell Ltd, 1973. pp. 89–-112. ISBN 0-304-31058-1
External links
- Nabucco: Free scores at the International Music Score Library Project
- Opera Guide Synopsis - Libretto - Highlights
- Libretto to Nabucco (in Italian)
- Contextual commentary to libretto (in English)
- Recording of the opera in the public-domain
- Nabucco at Masada Opera Festival
- Aria database
- Parker, Roger. Nabucco, Editor of the Critical Edition, 1988, "The Center For Italian Studies", University of Chicago website. Retrieved May 22, 2005.
- Parker, Roger (1997). Leonora's Last Act: Essays in Verdian Discourse. Princeton University Press. ISBN 0-691-01557-0.
- Roger Parker, "Verdi and Milan", lecture on Verdi, including details of Nabucco, given at Gresham College, London 14 May 2007 (text, audio, & video files; available for streaming & download)
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