| Story: en.wikipedia.org Performers: Cheryl Studer, Samuel Ramey, Giorgio Zancanaro, Kaludi Kaludov, Ernesto Gavazzi, Mario Luperi. Conductor Ricardo Muti Teatro Alla Scala Music by Giuseppe Verdi. Libretto Act 1 + 2 Temistocle Solera after reject libretto Francesco Maria Piave. Later Francesco Maria Piave wrote the 3rd Act. Première Teatro La Fenice Venice March 17. 1846 ===== Synopsis: Time: Mid-5th Century Place: Aquileia, the Adriatic lagoons, and near Rome Prologue Scene 1: The ruined city of Aquileia Attila and his victorious horde are surprised to see a group of women spared as prisoners of war. Their leader, Odabella, asks why the Huns' women remain at home (Allor che i forti corrono / "While your warriors rush to their swords like lions"). Attila, impressed by her courage, offers a boon and she asks for her sword to avenge the death of her father at Attila's own hand (Da te questo or m'è concesso / "O sublime, divine justice by thee is this now granted"). The Roman envoy Ezio asks for an audience and proposes a division of the empire: Avrai tu l'universo, Resti l'Italia a me / "You may have the universe, but let Italy remain mine". Attila denounces him as a traitor to his country. Scene 2: A swamp, the future site of Venice A boat bearing Foresto and other survivors arrives; he thinks of the captive Odabella (Ella in poter del barbaro / "She is in the barbarian's power!") but then rouses himself and the others to begin building a new city (Cara patria già madre e ... |
