Persecution, freedom and brotherhood, sacrifice in the name of noble and lofty ideals, devoted and loyal love are all key themes in Fidelio, Ludwig van Beethoven\u2019s only opera. Its successive versions (I \u2013 1805, II \u2013 1806, III \u2013 1814) reflect the process of the composer’s struggle with the material and his truly painstaking work to produce the perfect dramatic form. The libretto was based on \u201ca drama of horror and salvation\u201d by Jean Bouilly, Leonore, or Marital Love in a German translation by Joseph Sonnleithner. The first version of the opera, a longish three-act Leonore, only lasted for three performances at the Theater an der Wien in 1805. A year later, the composer cut it down to two acts, but he still failed to achieve the expected success. Only the third attempt, based on a text modified by a new author, Georg Friedrich Treitschke, was constructive enough to end in a final version of 1814. The opera received the title of Fidelio and thus entered history of culture.
\nIt has the form of a Singspiel: the recitatives sung secco have been replaced by monodramas and spoken dialogue. Beethoven could boast of a great predecessor, Mozartem, who elevated the German popular genre into the realm of high music, with symbolic meaning as exemplified by The Magic Flute, permeated with Masonic symbolism. The style of French heroic opera, defined during the Revolution, with its powerful, almost poster-like features, was also an important source of inspiration. Beethoven found himself seemingly \u201cbetween styles,\u201d uniting, in his work, various idioms of genre: French, German, and Italian, and inscribing them into a primary symphonic structure. Contrarily to Mozart, for whom \u201copera was everything,\u201d Beethoven\u2019s thinking was instrumental; this is why he treated musical theatre as a true symphonist would.
\nIn Beethoven\u2019s musical theatre, with its underlying symphony, the plot develops as in a dramatic story derived from a static oratorio rather than an opera. Its melodics, too, has little to do with the bel canto convention. Mozart did not want to \u201coffend his audience\u2019s ears\u201d and worked on beautiful singing; Beethoven was mainly interested with the expressive value of music and in its powerful impact, even at the expense of elegant phrase. He also presented the soloists with challenges of technique and stamina. The famous prison aria of Florestan at the beginning of Act Two, God! What darkness here lasts, including the instrumental introduction, for a dozen or so minutes of intense and dark music. At a time dominated by Cherubini\u2019s melodious operas, with Rossini\u2019s bel canto just around the corner, the melodics of Fidelio could be seen in comparison as hewn in stone rather than meticulously woven. For it is all about the truth of expression instead of beautiful singing. It departs from the sense carried by the lyrics rather than from an a priori stated structure. Indeed, the composer himself confessed that he tried to write smooth-flowing voices and that he was ready to face a tribunal of common sense and good taste\u2026
\nIn Fidelio, Beethoven the revolutionary used means already established in opera seria and buffa: recitatives and arias, ensembles and choirs; he also crowned both acts with collective finales. Yet his personae are more than just expressively presented individual characters \u2013 they become the speakers for the main ideas of the drama. The faithful wife Leonore, struggling with the tyrant in her disguise as Fidelio, symbolizes love and freedom. She exhibits her violent passions both in the recitative and aria in Act One, Abscheulicher! Wo eilst du hin? and in her love duet with Florestan in Act Two. It should be remembered that Beethoven wrote the part of Leonore for singer Anne Milder, endowed with a beautiful and resounding voice. The jailer Don Pizarro is not only the villain of the opera; he also personifies evil, expressed in the passion of revenge in his aria with choir in the first act. A soloists’ quartet from the same act could serve as an example of a counterpoint of characters, an intricate canon. Each of the characters gives vent to a different emotion: Marzelline \u2013 to that of love, Leonore \u2013 concealed fear, Rocco \u2013 perverse satisfaction, and Jaquino \u2013 embarassment.
\nThe orchestra plays a significant part in creating the mood and escalating the dramatic tension. It is the orchestra that presents the singers with appropriate tone and helps them conduct the musical narration. The score of Fidelio confirms Beethoven\u2019s temperament for symphony and colour, bringing out individual colours from the orchestra\u2019s tutti and achieving, at times, a truly Wagnerian tone. He significantly modifies instrumentation in his search for the most suitable form. The texture of the orchestra is often built on contrast: e.g, the high-pitched booming tones of woodwinds come up against the warm (or, one could say, Romantic) low sounds of cellos and doublebasses. The instruments acquire a speech-like character, and some of them carry symbolic meaning: trombones, for instance, help depict a mood of evil and darkness, just as they do in ombra scenes in Monteverdi or Gluck.
\nThe finale of Fidelio brings a just ending: for his shameful deeds, Pizarro himself is thrown into prison. The joyful song resounds: Heil sei dem Tag!. Leonore-Fidelio utters the significant words, Love alone my efforts guided,\/Real love is not afraid. The final thanksgiving hymn comes in C major, since Haydn\u2019s Creation the symbol of light in music; lofty Classicism also identified it with the idea of humanity. Beethoven\u2019s message is clear: good triumphs, evil has been vanquished by love.
\nMa\u0142gorzata Janicka-S\u0142ysz<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ludwig van Beethoven
\nFidelio op. 72
\nLibretto: Joseph Sonnleithner<\/p>\n
Characters:
\nDon Fernando, Minister (Baritone)
\nDon Pizarro, Governor of the State prison (Bass-Baritone)
\nFlorestan, a prisoner (Tenor)
\nLeonora, his wife disguised as Fidelio (Soprano)
\nRocco, jailer (Bass)
\nMarcellina, his daughter, in love with Fidelio (Soprano)
\nJaquino, Gate keeper, Marcellina\u2019s suitor (Tenor)
\nFirst prisoner (Tenor)
\nSecond prisoner (Bass)<\/p>\n
Chorus of guards (TB)
\nChorus of prisoners (TTBB)
\nChorus of town people (SATB).<\/p>\n
Overture \u201eFidelio\u201d
\nAllegro; Adagio; Presto<\/p>\n
Act I,
\nDuet, Jaquino, Marcellina
\nAllegro<\/p>\n
Jaquino
\nAt long last, sweetheart, we\u2019re alone and can have a cosy chat together.
\nMarcellina
\nNot about anything serious, then; I can\u2019t interrupt my work.
\nJaquino
\nJust a word, don\u2019t be hard-hearted!
\nMarcellina
\nWell, go on: I\u2019m listening.
\nJaquino
\nUnless you\u2019re a bit more friendly I shall not open my lips.
\nMarcellina
\nUnless you take me as I am I shall simply close my ears.
\nJaquino
\nListen to me just a moment and then I\u2019ll leave you alone.
\nMarcellina
\nCan\u2019t I have a moment\u2019s peace? Well, speak on then.
\nJaquino
\nI\u2019ve chosen you for my wife, do you understand?
\nMarcellina
\nThat\u2019s quite clear.
\nJaquino
\nAnd if you\u2019ll only consent \u2013 what do you say?
\nMarcellina
\nThen we\u2019d be man and wife.
\nJaquino
\nIn a few weeks we could…
\nMarcellina
\nWell done, you\u2019ve even settled the day.
\nJaquino
\nA plague on this endless knocking!
\nMarcellina
\nAt last I\u2019m rid of him.
\nJaquino
\nI was getting on so well, and now my prize escapes me again.
\nMarcellina
\nHow his love wearies me and the time seems endless!
\nI know the poor chap is suffering and I\u2019m truly sorry for him
\nbut Fidelio is my choice, and loving him sheer joy.
\nJaquino
\nWhere was I? She\u2019s not looking at me.
\nMarcellina
\nHere he is, starting all over again.
\nJaquino
\nWhen will you say \u201eYes\u201d to me? It might as well be today.
\nMarcellina
\nOh dear! he makes my life a misery.
\nNow and for ever, my answer is \u201eNo, no!\u201d
\nJaquino
\nYou really are made of stone, unmoved by my wishes and pleas.
\nMarcellina
\nI must be so harsh with him; the least thing makes him hopeful.
\nJaquino
\nSo you\u2019ll never change your mind? What do you say?
\nMarcellina
\nDo go away.
\nJaquino
\nWhat? Can\u2019t I look at you? Not even that?
\nMarcellina
\nVery well, stay then!
\nJaquino
\nYou\u2019ve so often promised me…
\nMarcellina
\nPromised? No, that\u2019s so much!
\nJaquino
\nA plague on this endless knocking!
\nMarcellina
\nAt last I\u2019m rid of him!
\nJaquino
\nShe really seemed quite concerned. Who knows, I may yet succeed.
\nMarcellina
\n. Thank Heaven for that sound! I was at my wits\u2019 end<\/p>\n
Poor Jaquino! I\u2019m really sorry for him. I used to be fond of him, but then Fidelio came to our house, and since that time everything within me and around me has changed.<\/p>\n
Aria. Marcellina
\nAndante con moto; Poco piu allegro<\/p>\n
Marcellina
\nO were we two united, and I could call you husband!
\nA maiden can confess only half of what she feels.
\nBut when I do not need to blush for an ardent loving kiss,
\nwhen nothing on earth shall come between us \u2013
\nhope fills my heart with inexpressible delight \u2013
\nhow happy shall I be then!
\nIn domestic peace and bliss I\u2019ll wake each morning; we\u2019ll greet each other tenderly and work away our cares. And when our day\u2019s work\u2019s done,
\nkind night will softly fall and we shall rest from our toil.
\nHope fills my heart with inexpressible delight \u2013 how happy shall I be then!<\/p>\n
Rocco
\nPoor Fidelio, this time you\u2019ve been carrying to much.
\nLeonora
\nI must admit I\u2019m a little tired. The blacksmith repaired the handcuffs so long that I was thinking he\u2019ll never finish his work.
\nRocco
\nGood boy! Less ardent and less wise people were in my pay.
\nLeonora
\nO, please, don\u2019t think I\u2019m dutiful only for wages.
\nRocco
\nHush! Do you think I can\u2019t see into your heart?<\/p>\n
Quartet, Marcellina, Leonora, Jaquino, Rocco
\nAndante sostenuto<\/p>\n
Marcellina
\nA wondrous feeling fills me and grips my very heart.
\nHe loves me, it is clear: oh, how happy I shall be!
\nLeonora
\nHow great the danger is, how weak the ray of hope!
\nShe loves me, it is clear: o unutterable anguish!
\nRocco
\nShe loves him, it is clear. Yes, child, he shall be yours.
\nThey\u2019ll make a fine young couple I hope they\u2019ll be happy.
\nJaquino
\nMy hair stands up on end; her father favours him.
\nFeelings of dread fill me; I see no way ahead.<\/p>\n
Rocco
\nListen, Fidelio! I\u2019ve decided to make you my son-in-law.
\nMarcellina
\nWill you do that soon, my dear father?<\/p>\n
Rocco
\nAs soon as the Governor has left for Seville. So, my children, you\u2019re very much
\nin love, aren\u2019t you? But that\u2019s not all there is to a good and happy household:
\nthere\u2019s something else you need…<\/p>\n
4. Aria, Rocco
\nAllegro moderato; Allegro.<\/p>\n
Rocco
\nIf you haven\u2019t gold as well, happiness is hard to find;
\nlife can be a heavy burden, full of care and woe.
\nBut if it jingles round your pocket, fate is at your mercy:
\ngold can bring you love and power and still your keenest longings.
\nFor fortune\u2019s like a paid servant and serves its master, mighty gold.
\nWhen nought and nought are put together, small remains the total sum;
\ndining on love alone won\u2019t stop your feeling hungry.
\nSo may fortune smile kindly on you and bless and guide your efforts; your sweetheart in your arms, and money in your purse, many a year may you prosper. For fortune\u2019s like a paid servant and serves its master, mighty gold.
\nLeonora
\nSurely, but there\u2019s something else no less dear to me
\nRocco
\nAnd what would that be?
\nLeonora
\nYour trust. How often I see you coming back from the underground cells
\nquite exhausted and out of breath. Why may I not accompany you there?
\nRocco
\nYou know I have the strictest orders to allow no one near the prisoners
\nof State.
\nMarcellina
\nSurely where there\u2019s that prisoner of whom you\u2019ve spoken many a time.
\nLeonora
\nHe\u2019s been in prison here a long time?
\nRocco
\nMore than two years.
\nLeonora
\nTwo years, you say? He must be a great criminal.
\nRocco
\nOr he must have great enemies. For a month now, at Pizarro\u2019s orders I\u2019ve been cutting down his rations. Now in twenty-four hours he gets nothing more than two ounces of black bread and one half of measure of water. No light, no straw any more \u2013 nothing.
\nMarcellina
\nO my dear father, don\u2019t take Fidelio there. He couldn\u2019t bear the sight.
\nLeonora
\nBut why not? I have courage and strength!
\nTrio. Marcellina, Leonora, Rocco
\nAllegro ma non troppo; Allegro molto.<\/p>\n
Rocco
\nWell said, my son! Always have courage, and you\u2019ll succeed.
\nYou must harden your heart in the presence of terrible sights.
\nLeonora
\nI\u2019m not afraid! With stout heart I\u2019ll go underground.
\nFor high reward love can endure even the greatest pain.
\nMarcellina
\nYour tender heart will suffer many a pang in those dungeons:
\nAfterwards the happiness of love an untold delights will return.
\nRocco
\nYou\u2019ll surely make your fortune.
\nLeonora
\nI put my faith in God and justice.
\nMarcellina
\nYou may look into my eyes too, for love also has its power.
\nYes, we shall be happy.
\nLeonora
\nYes, I can still be happy.
\nRocco
\nYes you will be happy.
\nThe Governor must agree today to let you share the work with me.
\nLeonora
\nI shall not have a moment\u2019s peace if you make me wait even until tomorrow.
\nMarcellina
\nYes, dear father, ask him today; the sooner then can we be married.
\nRocco
\nSoon I shall be in my grave; I need your help, it\u2019s true.
\nLeonora
\nHow long I\u2019ve been the prey of torment! Hope, now give me strength.
\nMarcellina
\nFather dear, what are you saying? You must be our friend and guide a long time yet.
\nRocco
\nForewarned is forearmed; your longings will be stilled.
\nJoin your hands, and bind the tie with sweet tears of joy.
\nLeonora
\nYou are so good, you give me courage; soon my longing will be stilled.
\nI give my hand in loving pledge, albeit with bitter tears.
\nMarcellina
\nTake heart! What fires of deep desire!
\nFirm be the tie in heart and hand; oh sweet, sweet tears!<\/p>\n
6. March
\nVivace<\/p>\n
Pizarro
\nHas anything new happened?<\/p>\n
Rocco
\nNo, Sir.
\nPizarro
\nThe despatches!
\nRocco
\nHere!
\nPizarro
\nI know this writing. (he reads) \u201dI would like to rapport you that the Minister has been informed that the State prisons, which you supervise, contain a number of victims detained without authority. He is setting out tomorrow on a surprise inspection.\u201d
\nGod! If he were to discover that I\u2019ve enchained Florestan, whom he thought dead long since… But there is a way.<\/p>\n
Aria with Chorus of guards
\nAllegro agitato<\/p>\n
Pizarro
\nHa, the moment has come
\nwhen I can wreak my vengeance! Your doom awaits you now!
\nTo run him through the heart, what rapture, what great joy!
\nI was almost humbled in the dust, the sport and mock of those
\nwho would have laid me low.
\nNow the tables are turned and I can slay my tormentor!
\nHa, the moment has come!
\nIn his final hour, with my knife in his wound,
\nI\u2019ll shout in his ear: Victory! \u2018Tis I who triumph now!
\nChorus of guards
\nHe speaks of death and wounds!
\nKeep sharp watch on your rounds, this must be something serious!
\nPizarro
\nHa, the moment has come!
\nVictory! \u2018Tis I who triumph now! Victory is mine!<\/p>\n
Rocco!
\nRocco
\nSir?<\/p>\n
Duet. Pizarro, Rocco
\nAllegro con brio<\/p>\n
Pizarro
\nCome, old man, we must hurry! You shall be well rewarded
\nI will make you rich;
\ntake this for a start.
\nRocco
\nBut tell me, Sir, at once in what way I can serve you.<\/p>\n
Pizarro
\nYou are a man of iron nerve, made steadfast and strong
\nthrough years of service.
\nRocco
\nWhat must I do? Say, Sir!
\nPizarro
\nMurder!
\nRocco
\nWhat?
\nPizarro
\nListen to me! You\u2019re trembling! Are you a man?
\nWe have no time to lose; for the safety of the State
\na criminal must be removed, and that at once.
\nRocco
\nBut Sir…
\nPizarro
\nYou hesitate?
\nHe must live no longer, or I am lost indeed.
\nShall Pizarro falter? You shall fall \u2013 and I shall stand.
\nRocco
\nMy limbs are all a-tremble. How could I do this deed?
\nI will commit no murder whatever may befall me.
\nNo, Sir, to take life is not my duty.
\nPizarro
\nThen I myself will do it, since your courage fails you:
\nmake haste at once to that man below \u2013
\nyou know the one \u2013
\nRocco
\nThe one who\u2019s barely alive,
\nwho\u2019s no more than a shadow?
\nPizarro
\nGo down to him. I\u2019ll wait not far away
\nwhile quickly in the well you dig a grave.
\nRocco
\nAnd then?
\nPizarro
\nThen stealthily in disguise I myself will enter the dungeon \u2013
\none blow \u2013 and he is silenced!
\nRocco
\nStarving in his fetters, for long he\u2019s suffered pain.
\nTo kill him is to free him; the dagger ends his woes.
\nPizarro
\nLet him perish in his fetters; too short a time he\u2019s suffered.
\nHis death alone can free me and make me safe again.
\nNow, old man, we must hurry! Do you understand? You give me the sign!
\nThen stealthily in disguise I myself will enter the dungeon \u2013
\none blow \u2013 and he is silenced!<\/p>\n
Recitative and Aria. Leonora
\nAllegro agitato; Adagio; Allegro con brio.<\/p>\n
Leonora
\nMonster! Where are you hastening? What savage cruelty have you planned?
\nThe call of pity, the voice of humanity \u2013 can nothing touch your tiger\u2019s heart?
\nThough fury and rage surge like stormy waves in your blood,
\nfor me a rainbow shines, peacefully bright against the storm-clouds:
\nit looks down on me in peace and calm, recalling days gone by
\nand soothing my fevered soul.
\nCome, Hope, let not your last star be eclipsed in despair!
\no come, light me my goal, however far; love will attain it.
\nI follow a voice within me, unwavering,
\nand I am strengthened by the faith of wedded love.
\nO you for whom I\u2019ve borne so much, if i could but reach the place
\nwhere malice has imprisoned you, to bring you consolation!<\/p>\n
Leonora
\nMaster Rocco, I have tried many times to let the prisoners into the fortress garden
\nfor once. Today the weather is so beautiful.
\nRocco
\nWell then, Jaquino, Fidelio! Open the ordinary cells. I\u2019ll go to Pizarro and detain
\nhim.<\/p>\n
Finale. First prisoner, Second prisoner, Chorus of prisoners
\nAllegro ma non troppo<\/p>\n
Chorus
\nOh what joy to breathe freely in the open air!
\nUp here alone is life! The dungeon is a tomb.
\nFirst prisoner
\nWith all our faith we\u2019ll trust in Heaven\u2019s aid!
\nHope whispers softly to me: we shall be free, we shall find peace.
\nChorus
\nOh Heaven! Deliverance! Oh what joy! Liberty, can it return?
\nSecond prisoner
\nSpeak low! Be careful! Ears and eyes are on us!
\nChorus
\nSpeak low! Be careful! Ears and eyes are on us!
\nOh what joy to breathe freely in the open air!
\nUp here alone is life! The dungeon is a tomb.
\nSpeak low! Be careful! Ears and eyes are on us!<\/p>\n
Recitative Leonora, Rocco
\nAllegro vivace
\nLeonora
\nWell, how did it go?
\nRocco
\nVery well, very well. I took my courage in my hands
\nand put it all to him. And would you believe what he replied to me?
\nHe\u2019ll consent to the marriage and to your helping me;
\nthis very day I\u2019ll take you down to the dungeons.<\/p>\n
Duet. Leonora, Rocco
\nAllegro molto; Andante con moto<\/p>\n
Leonora
\nToday! This very day! What glad news! What joy!
\nRocco
\nI see your pleasure; wait but a while and then we\u2019ll go together.
\nLeonora
\nWhere?
\nRocco
\nTo that poor wretch below to whom for several weeks I\u2019ve given less and less to eat.
\nLeonora
\nAch! \u2013 Is he to be released?
\nRocco
\nNo, no!
\nLeonora
\nWhat then?
\nRocco
\nNo, no! In a way we must release him.
\nIn an hour he must \u2013 mum\u2019s the word \u2013 be buried by us.
\nLeonora
\nThen he is dead?
\nRocco
\nNot yet, not yet.
\nLeonora
\nIs it your job to kill him?
\nRocco
\nNo, my boy, do not fear: Rocco will not lend himself to murder.
\nThe Governor himself will do the deed; we two only have to dig the grave.
\nLeonora
\nPerhaps to dig my husband\u2019s grave! What could be more horrible!
\nRocco
\nI\u2019m not allowed to give him food; he\u2019ll be better off in the grave.
\nLeonora
\nWhat?
\nAndante con moto
\nRocco
\nWe must set to work at once, I need you with me to help.
\nA jailer\u2019s life\u2019s a hard one.
\nLeonora
\nI\u2019ll follow you, even unto death.
\nRocco
\nIn the ruined well the digging should be easy.
\nBelieve me, I am loath to do this; and you too shrink, I see.
\nLeonora
\nIt\u2019s just that I\u2019m not used to it.
\nRocco
\nI wish I could have spared you this; but it is too much for me alone,
\nand our master is severe.<\/p>\n
Leonora
\nO bitter grief!
\nRocco
\nI think the lad is weeping.
\nNo, you stay here \u2013 I\u2019ll go alone, I\u2019ll go alone.
\nLeonora
\nNo, no! I must see him, that poor wretch, though I should die myself.
\nLeonora and Rocco
\nLet us delay no longer; we must be about our cruel task.<\/p>\n
Leonora, Marcellina, Jaquino, Rocco
\nAllegro molto<\/p>\n
Marcellina
\nFather, father, hurry!
\nRocco
\nWhat is it now?
\nJaquino
\nDon\u2019t lose a moment!
\nRocco
\nWhat has happened?
\nMarcellina
\nPizarro is on his way, and threatening you!
\nJaquino
\nDon\u2019t lose a moment!
\nRocco
\nKeep calm! keep calm!
\nLeonora
\nWe must be gone!
\nRocco
\nJust tell me this: does he know?
\nJaquino
\nYes, indeed he does.
\nMarcellina
\nThe officer has told him of the privilege we allowed the prisoners.
\nRocco
\nLet all of them return quickly.
\nMarcellina
\nYou know how he rages when he is in a fury.
\nLeonora
\nMy whole being rages! My blood is up!
\nRocco
\nMy conscience is clear, however the tyrant rages.<\/p>\n
Pizarro, Rocco<\/p>\n
Pizarro
\nPresumptuous old man! what authority have you dared to take upon yourself
\nthat you, a mere menial, should allow the prisoners out?<\/p>\n
Rocco
\nMy lord!
\nPisarro
\nWell, speak!
\nRocco
\nThe return of Spring, the bright warm sunshine,
\nand \u2013 has your lordship remembered something that absolves me?
\nToday is His Majesty\u2019s name-day,
\nwhich we are celebrating in this way.
\nFor him below death waits \u2013 but let the others enjoy a little walk;
\nreserve your wrath for him alone.
\nPizarro
\nThen hasten and prepare his grave: I will have quiet up here.
\nLock the prisoners up once more, and never take such liberties again!<\/p>\n
Quintett. Leonora, Marcellina, Jaquino, Pizarro, Rocco, Chorus of prisoners.
\nAllegretto vivace<\/p>\n
Chorus of prisoners
\nFarewell, warm sunshine, so soon snatched from us.
\non us descends a night in which no dawn will soon break.
\nMarcellina
\nHow they pressed into the sunshine and now troop sadly back again!
\nThe others softly murmur: Here there is no room for pleasure.
\nLeonora
\nYou heard the order: move along, go back now to your cells!
\nAnguish courses through my limbs is there no judgement on the wicked?
\nJaquino
\nYou heard the order: move along, go back now to your cells!
\nThey\u2019re plotting something; if I could only catch their words!
\nPizarro
\nNow Rocco, waste no more time, but go down to the dungeon.
\nAnd think not to return until my judgement is accomplished.
\nYou heard my order: move along, go back now to your cells!
\nRocco
\nNo, Sir. I\u2019ll waste no time but hurry down to the dungeon.
\nMy limbs are all a-tremble: a lamentable, harsh task is mine!
\nYou heard the order: move along, go back now to your cells!
\nAct II
\nIntroduction. Aria. Florestan
\nGrave; Poco allegro; Adagio; Adagio cantabile; Poco allegro<\/p>\n
Florestan
\nGrave
\nO God! how dark it is! how terrible this silence!
\nHere in this void no living thing comes near O cruel ordeal! But God\u2019s will is just.
\nI\u2019ll not complain; for He has decreed the measure of my suffering.<\/p>\n
Adagio cantabile
\nIn the springtime of my life all my joy has vanished!
\nI dared to speak the truth and these chains are my reward.
\nAll my pains I gladly suffer, end my life in degradation;
\nin my heart is consolation \u2013 I have done my duty!
\nPoco allegro
\nBut what is this scent of balmy air? What this ray of light in my tomb?
\nI seem to see an angel, amid a scent of roses,
\nan angel like my wife Leonora standing by my side to comfort me
\nto lead me to freedom in the kingdom of Heaven.<\/p>\n
Melodrama and Duet. Leonora, Rocco
\nPoco sostenuto; Andantino; Andante con moto.<\/p>\n
Leonora
\nHow cold it is in this underground vault!
\nRocco
\nOf course it is; it\u2019s so deep down.
\nLeonora
\nI thought we should never find the entrance.
\nRocco
\nHere he is.
\nLeonora
\nHe doesn\u2019t seem to stir at all.
\nRocco
\nPerhaps he\u2019s dead.
\nLeonora
\nDead! Do you think so?
\nRocco
\nNo, no, he\u2019s asleep.
\nSo much the better; we must set to work at once. We\u2019ve no time to lose.
\nLeonora
\nIt is impossible to distinguish his features \u2013 God help me if it is he!
\nRocco
\nHere is the well I was telling you about. \u2013 Give me the pickaxe and stand over here
\nYou\u2019re trembling \u2013 are you afraid?
\nLeonora
\nNo, it\u2019s just that it\u2019s so cold.
\nRocco
\nWell set to work: that\u2019ll soon warm you.
\nAndante con moto
\nCome, get to work and dig; it won\u2019t be long before he\u2019s here.
\nLeonora
\nYou\u2019ll have no cause to complain, I\u2019ll content you, never fear.
\nRocco
\nCome, help me lift this stone \u2013 take care! take care! it\u2019s heavy!
\nLeonora
\nI\u2019ve got it, don\u2019t worry; I\u2019ll do my utmost to move it.
\nRocco
\nA little more!
\nLeonora
\nHave patience!
\nRocco
\nIt\u2019s moving!
\nLeonora
\nA little further!
\nRocco
\nIt isn\u2019t easy!
\nCome, we must hurry with this grave; it won\u2019t be long before he\u2019s here.
\nLeonora
\nJust let me get my breath back, we\u2019ll soon have finished here.
\nRocco
\nCome, get to work and dig; it won\u2019t be long before he\u2019s here.
\nLeonora
\nWhoever you are, I swear to Heaven I\u2019ll save you! You shall not be his prey!
\nI will loose your chains, poor man, and set you free.
\nRocco
\nWhy do you slacken in your work?
\nLeonora
\nFather, I\u2019m getting on with it
\nRocco
\nCome, we must hurry with this grave; it won\u2019t be long before he\u2019s here.
\nLeonora
\nYou\u2019ll have no cause to complain. Just let me get my breath again,
\nand no work will be too hard for me.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s waking up.
\nRocco
\nWaking up, you say? Now, have you had a short rest?
\nFlorestan
\nHow could I find rest? Tell me at least, who is the governor of this prison?
\nRocco
\nDon Pizarro.
\nFlorestan
\nPizarro, whose crimes I dared to make known? Send to Leonora Florestan as
\nsoon as possible and tell her I am lying here in chains.
\nRocco
\nIt\u2019s impossible, I tell you! I\u2019ll expose me to ruin!
\nFlorestan
\nSo, if I am condemned to death don\u2019t torment me longer.
\nWho is that?
\nRocco
\nMy turnkey, and soon my son-in-law.
\nYou\u2019re so agitated!
\nLeonora
\nWho would not be? You yourself…
\nRocco
\nIt\u2019s true. The man voice…
\nLeonora
\nYes, it pierces one\u2019s very heart.
\n13 Trio. Leonora, Florestan, Rocco
\nModerato; Un poco piu allegro.<\/p>\n
Florestan
\nMay you be rewarded in a better world; Heaven has sent you here to me.
\nThank you! You have greatly refreshed me; but I am helpless to repay your kindness.
\nRocco
\nPoor man, I gladly gave him wine: he has but little time to live.
\nLeonora
\nMy heart is throbbing furiously with joy and bitter pain.
\nFlorestan
\nI see this youth is deeply moved and the man too shows emotion.
\nO God, you send me hope; may it become reality!
\nLeonora
\nThe dread moment draws near which brings my death or his salvation.
\nRocco
\nI carry my duty but detest all cruelty.
\nLeonora
\nThis scrap of bread \u2013 for two days I\u2019ve carried it about with me.
\nRocco
\nI wish you could, but have to say I dare not let you do it.
\nLeonora
\nAh! Yet you gave the poor man a drink.
\nRocco
\nIt must not be, it must not be.
\nLeonora
\nHe has but little time to live.
\nRocco
\nThen so be it \u2013 you may risk it.
\nLeonora
\nHere, take this bread, poor man!
\nFlorestan
\nOh thank you!
\nMay you be rewarded in a better world; Heaven has sent you here to me.
\nYou have greatly invigorated me
\nI see this youth is deeply moved and the man too shows emotion.
\nO if I could but obtain it!
\nLeonora
\nMay Heaven grant you deliverance, then my reward be great indeed.
\nYou gave the poor man a drink.
\nRocco
\nYour suffering has often touched my heart although I was forbidden to help.
\nPoor man, I gladly gave him wine: he has but little time to live.
\nFlorestan
\nOh that I could repay you! Oh thank you! But I am helpless to repay your kindness.
\nUn poco piu Allegro.
\nLeonora
\nOh, This is more than I can bear! You poor man!
\nRocco
\nHe has but little time to live. Poor man!
\nPizarro
\nIs everything ready?
\nRocco
\nYes. We should only to open the cistern. Shall I take off his chains?
\nPizarro
\nNo. Unshackle him from the stone. Time is pressing.<\/p>\n
14. Quartet. Leonora, Florestan, Pizarro, Rocco.
\nAllegro; Piu moto; Un poco sostenuto.<\/p>\n
Pizarro
\nHe shall die! But first he shall know whose hand will tear apart his proud heart.
\nLet the veil of my vengeance be torn off, and behold me! Yes, you see aright!
\nPizarro, whom you sought to overthrow, Pizarro, whom you should have feared,
\nis here to claim his vengeance.
\nFlorestan
\nI see a murderer before me!
\nPizarro
\nOnce more I will recall what you have done. But one more moment, and then this dagger…
\nLeonora
\nStand back!
\nFlorestan
\nO God!
\nRocco
\nWhat\u2019s this?
\nLeonora
\nFirst you must stab this heart of mine!
\nMay death befall you for your murderous intent.
\nPizarro
\nAre you mad?
\nRocco
\nStand back!
\nFlorestan
\nO God!
\nPizarro
\nHe shall be punished for this!
\nLeonora
\nFirst kill his wife!
\nPizarro and Rocco
\nHis wife?
\nFlorestan
\nMy wife?
\nLeonora
\nYes, I am Leonora!
\nFlorestan
\nLeonora!
\nLeonora
\nI am his wife, and I have sworn to save him and destroy you!<\/p>\n
Pizarro
\nWhat brazen daring!
\nFlorestan
\nMy heart stands still for joy!
\nRocco
\nMy blood runs cold with fear.
\nLeonora
\nI defy his wrath!
\nDestroy him!
\nPiu moto
\nPizarro
\nHa! Ha!
\nShall I tremble before a woman? My fury shall claim you both.
\nSince you have shared your life with him, now you shall share his death.
\nLeonora
\nYou shall not escape your doom! First you must stab this heart of mine!
\nAnother word \u2013 and I will shoot!
\n(The trumpet is heard)
\nAh! You are saved! Thank God!
\nFlorestan
\nAh! I am saved! Thank God!
\nPizarro
\nHa! The Minister! Hell and death!
\nRocco
\nAh! What was that? God is just!
\n(The trumpet is heard more loudly).<\/p>\n
Jaquino
\nFather Rocco! The Minister has arrived.
\nRocco
\nThe Lord be praised! We\u2019re coming, we\u2019re coming at once!<\/p>\n
Quartet. Leonora, Florestan Pizarro, Rocco.
\nAllegro
\nLeonora and Florestan
\nNow strikes the hour of vengeance, and you \/ I shall be delivered;
\nlove combined with boldness has served to set you \/ me free.
\nPizarro
\nAccursed be this hour, the traitors have foiled me!
\nNow my revenge is salted with despair.
\nRocco
\nOh hour of terror! What will the outcome be?
\nI will no longer serve this bloody tyrant.<\/p>\n
Florestan
\nMy Leonore! What have you done for me!
\nLeonora
\nNothing, my Florestan.
\nDuet. Leonora, Florestan
\nAllegro vivace; Adagio; Tempo primo.<\/p>\n
Leonora
\nO joy beyond expressing! My husband in my arms!
\nFlorestan
\nO joy beyond expressing! Leonora in my arms!
\nBoth
\nAfter untold sorrows such overwhelming joy!
\nLeonora
\nOnce more you\u2019re in my arms!
\nFlorestan
\nO God, how great is Thy mercy!
\nBoth
\nWe thank Thee, Lord, for this great happiness!
\nLeonora
\nMy husband once more in my arms!
\nFlorestan
\nMy wife once more in my arms! It\u2019s really you!
\nLeonora
\nYes, I am here!
\nFlorestan
\nO heavenly rapture!
\nLeonora
\nIt\u2019s really you!
\nFlorestan
\nYes, I am here!
\nLeonora
\nO heavenly rapture!
\nFlorestan
\nO Leonora!
\nLeonora
\nFlorestan!
\nBoth
\nO joy beyond expressing! After untold sorrows such overwhelming joy!
\nFlorestan
\nMy wife once more in my arms!
\nBoth
\nOnce more you\u2019re in my arms! We thank Thee, Lord, for this great happiness!<\/p>\n
Finale. Marcellina, Jaquino, Pizarro, Fernando, Chorus of prisoners,
\nChorus of the town people.
\nAllegro vivace; Un poco maestoso; Poco vivace agitato; Meno allegro; Piu allegro;
\nMolto vivace; Sostenuto assai; Allegro ma non troppo; Presto molto.<\/p>\n
Chorus of the prisoners and the people
\nAllegro vivace
\nHail to the day, hail to the hour so long awaited and so long denied,
\nwhen Justice with mercy has appeared before the gate to our grave.
\nFernando
\nUn poco maestoso
\nOur gracious king has sent me here to bear his royal pleasure to all suffers
\nand to dispel the evil cloud of darkness which has enveloped you in gloom and fear.
\nNo longer kneel like slaves before me, far from me be tyrannic harshness.
\nA brother has come to seek his brothers, to help them, if he can, with all his heart.
\nChorus of the prisoners and the people
\nHail to the day, hail to the hour!
\nFernando
\nA brother has come to seek his brothers, to help them, if he can, with all his heart.<\/p>\n
Leonora, Florestan, Rocco
\nPoco vivace agitato
\nRocco
\nThen here is one who needs your help!
\nPizarro
\nHa, what do I see?
\nRocco
\nDoes this sight move you?
\nPizarro
\nAway! Away!
\nFernando
\nNo, speak out!
\nRocco
\nMay all your mercy centre on his couple. Don Florestan…
\nFernando
\nWhom I thought dead, that noble soul who fought for truth?
\nMeno allegro
\nRocco
\nAnd suffered endless torments.
\nFernando
\nMy friend! My friend whom I thought dead?
\nPallid and in fetters he stands before me.
\nRocco and Leonora
\nYes, Florestan it is whom you see here.
\nRocco
\nAnd Leonora.
\nFernando
\nLeonora?
\nPiu allegro
\nRocco
\nThe crown of women I present to you. She came here…
\nPizarro
\nGrant me a word –
\nFernando
\nNot one! She came…
\nRocco
\nCame to my door and worked as a lad in my service, serving me so well and faithfully
\nthat I chose her \u2013 as my son-in-law.<\/p>\n
Marcellina
\nAlas! what do I hear?
\nRocco
\nThis monster at this very moment intended Florestan\u2019s murder.
\nPizarro
\nWith his aid!
\nRocco
\nWith our aid. Only your arrival called him away.
\nChorus of the town people
\nMolto vivace
\nLet Nemesis fall on the villain who oppressed the innocent.
\nLet Justice draw her avenging sword in retribution.
\nFernando
\nYou opened this noble man\u2019s grave, now remove his chains from him \u2013
\nbut wait! Noble lady, it is fitting that you alone should complete his liberty.
\nSostenuto assai
\nLeonora
\nO Heavens! what a moment!
\nFlorestan
\nO joy inexpressibly sweet!
\nFernando
\nO God, Thy will is just.
\nMarcellina and Rocco
\nThou triest us, but never dost forsake us.
\nAll
\nO Heavens! what a moment! O joy inexpressibly sweet!
\nO God, Thy will is just: Thou triest us, but never dost forsake us.
\nChorus of the prisoners and the town people
\nAllegro ma non troppo
\nHe who has gained a loving wife, join in our rejoicing!
\nNever can we over-praise a wife who saves her husband
\nFlorestan
\nYour loyalty saved my life, your courage deterred the villain.
\nLeonora
\nLove it is that guided me; steadfast love knows no fear.
\nChorus of the prisoners and the town people
\nLet us in joy and ardour sing noble Leonora\u2019s praise.
\nFlorestan and Men\u2019s Chorus
\nHe who has gained a wife like this, join in our rejoicing!
\nNever can we over-praise a wife who saves her husband.
\nLeonora
\nLove it was that gave me strength to free you from your chains.
\nLovingly let it be sung: Florestan is mine again.
\nMarcellina, Jaquino, Fernando, Rocco.
\nHe who has gained a wife like this, join in our rejoicing!
\nChorus
\nHe who has gained a loving wife, join in our rejoicing!
\nNever can we over-praise a wife who saves her husband.
\nLeonora
\nLovingly let it sung: Florestan is mine again!
\nLove it was that gave me strength to free you from your chains.
\nAll
\nNever can we over-praise a wife who saves her husband.
\nLove it was that gave her \/ you strength to free him \/ me from his \/ my chains.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Persecution, freedom and brotherhood, sacrifice in the name of noble and lofty ideals, devoted and loyal love are all key themes in Fidelio, Ludwig van Beethoven\u2019s only opera. Its successive versions (I \u2013 1805, II \u2013 1806, III \u2013 1814) reflect the process of the composer’s struggle with the material and his truly painstaking work […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-233","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-b"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beethoven.org.pl\/encyklopedia\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/233","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beethoven.org.pl\/encyklopedia\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beethoven.org.pl\/encyklopedia\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beethoven.org.pl\/encyklopedia\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beethoven.org.pl\/encyklopedia\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=233"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/beethoven.org.pl\/encyklopedia\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/233\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":362,"href":"https:\/\/beethoven.org.pl\/encyklopedia\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/233\/revisions\/362"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beethoven.org.pl\/encyklopedia\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=233"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beethoven.org.pl\/encyklopedia\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=233"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beethoven.org.pl\/encyklopedia\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=233"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}