Verdi's opera was written for the San Carlo Theatre in Naples, which will be performed at the Carnival in 1858. But in the year of 65438+ 10/4, when the opera was being rehearsed, the Italian revolutionary Phyllis orsini murdered Charles Louis Napolé on Bonaparte. Therefore, the government authorities banned the play about the murder of the king. It was suggested that Verdi use his music in another play, but Verdi disagreed and withdrew the original, which almost caused a revolution in Naples. People marched in the street and shouted "Long live Verdi!" (Viva Verdil), they used the name of this great composer as a signboard to announce their support for the Italian United Nations with Victor as the king; Because the name of the king (Vittorio Emmanuele, Re D`Italia) is the same as the first letter of Verdi's name, they shouted together. Finally, in order to solve this problem, the prosecutor in Rome proposed that if the name of the opera was changed to "masked ball" and the scene was changed to Boston, it would be allowed to be staged; Because when the government saw a king assassinated on the stage, his nerves were unbearable, but if he saw that he killed a British chief executive far away in the United States, he would feel at ease. It turned out to be really good. Although the audience of Apollo Theater in Rome was very excited on the evening of February 1859, it was entirely caused by music, and this strong emotion caused by music was not weakened by the change of scenery to Boston, Samir and Tom becoming black, and the astrologer being played by black women.
The first time it was said that during the performance in Paris, the scenery in Boston was changed to Naples. At that time, the singer Mario insisted on never wearing short stockings and red and gold epaulettes when singing folk songs in the second act. The titles of Earl of Wavyk and local governor also made him feel overwhelmed. He would rather be a Spanish Grand Duke, starting with the Duke of Oliwa and pretending to be a fisherman in Naples; Moreover, he is unwilling to pay strict attention to the details of this role, and is willing to play his genius as an artist. The ballad referred to here is undoubtedly Richard's boat song.
First act
Scene 1: Ricardo's residence, room 1
Riccardo was very popular with the people, but he was hated by the nobles and plotted to overthrow him.
(The curtain rises) riccardo is being deployed, and the crowd sings songs praising riccardo's achievements. The list of guests invited to the masked ball appeared, including the name of Lei Natuo's wife Amelia. Ricardo was very happy. Then the judge bowed to him and showed him a warrant to arrest an old witch, asking him to sign it.
Scene 2: The Room of Ulrica, the Black Witch.
Riccardo decided to visit the witch privately before signing the exile order to test her divination ability. Riccardo made a secret makeup visit to Ulrica, followed by Samuel and tommaso, enemies of riccardo. I didn't expect Amelia to be there, so riccardo hid behind the scenes, listened to her tell the witch about her love for riccardo, and asked the witch to try to help stop her burning lust. The witch told her that she had to pick a magic grass that grew under the guillotine to be cured. Amelia was very scared when she heard this, but she had to do it. Ricardo was ecstatic after listening to this conversation and determined to protect Amelia and find the magic grass.
After Amelia left, riccardo asked the witch to count his fate, and the witch predicted that he would be killed. At this moment, Lei Natuo, a faithful believer in riccardo, came to shake hands with riccardo, and riccardo laughed at the witch's prophecy. (The famous aria "Can the waves really support me?" ",behind-the-scenes chorus" Our welfare is his only hope ")
Act ii
Midnight by the guillotine
On the guillotine outside Boston in the middle of the night, Amelia wearing a veil was picking magic grass, followed by riccardo. Amelia couldn't hide her love for him, and they tore their hearts out (duet: What a happy war). However, the assassin has been lurking nearby, and Lei Natuo, worried about riccardo's safety, followed him here. At this time, the enemy approached them. Riccardo asked Lei Natuo to protect the veiled woman and return to the city as soon as possible. He went back to the house by another way. Lei Natuo and the veiled woman left and soon fell into the hands of the enemy. The enemy found that it wasn't riccardo and didn't intend to hurt them. But in order to see the true face of riccardo's lover, they unveiled Amelia. Lei Natuo saw that the woman was his wife. In a rage, Lei Natuo made an appointment with the enemy leader the next day.
Act iii
Scene 1: Lei Natuo's home.
Lei Natuo decided that his wife was unfaithful and asked her to commit suicide, but she also accepted her request to see their children for the last time. However, Lei Natuo finally changed his mind and decided not to kill his wife and take revenge on riccardo. Soon, the enemy came, and everyone drew lots to decide who would kill Ricardo, and asked Amelia to find a piece of paper with a name on it in the jar. She didn't know the details, but she found the name of her husband Lei Natuo. Lei Natuo is very excited (singing the aria "Is this you? 》
Scene 2: Palace Hall
Carnival masquerade, happy music hides the coming tragedy and disguises the best help to the opponent. Ricardo ignored Amelia's warning and still attended the masked ball. He decided to let his secretary and wife engage in diplomatic work to eliminate his temptation to Amelia. Ricardo informed Amelia of the plan, and the news will be announced at the dance. Lei Natuo, wearing a mask, just arrived and inserted a sharp knife into riccardo's chest (some performance versions shot riccardo fatally). On his deathbed, riccardo forgave Lei Natuo for his hasty action with a weak voice, and explained to Lei Natuo that his wife was innocent, but she just liked Amelia. Finally, with the death of riccardo and the exciting chorus, the whole play ends in a climax.