La battaglia di Legnano
Encyclopedia
La battaglia di Legnano is an opera in four acts, with music by Giuseppe Verdi
to an Italian-language libretto
by Salvadore Cammarano. It was based on the play
La Bataille de Toulouse by Joseph Méry
. The opera received its first performance on 27 January 1849, at the Teatro Argentina
, Rome. While the premiere was successful, the opera failed in its 1850 production in Genoa.
In the 1880s it was re-styled in French as Pour la Patrie for a projected production at the Théâtre Château-d'Eau in Paris, although this adaptation was later performed in the French provinces.
The opera is rarely performed in modern times. It was seen in 1959 in Florence and Venice to commemorate the centenary of the Second Italian War of Independence
, and in Trieste in 1963 (on each occasion starring Leyla Gencer
). La Scala
has mounted the opera only twice in the last century: once in 1916 and once in 1961. The 1961 cast was recorded and includes performances by Franco Corelli
, Antonietta Stella
, and Ettore Bastianini
. The opera was not performed in the United Kingdom until 31 October 1960 when it was given its UK premiere in Cardiff
, and it was as late as 28 February 1976 that it was given by the Amato Opera
in New York
. Two concert performances have been presented by the Opera Orchestra of New York
; the first was in January 1987 with Matteo Manuguerra
, Aprile Millo
and Jerome Hines
while the second was given in November 2001. It has yet to be given a performance year by the Sarasota Opera
as part of the "Verdi Cycle" of all Verdi's operas to be presented by 2016.
Arrigo, a young soldier who is believed by all to be dead, is part of the forces of the Lombard League which has assembled to set out on a campaign against Frederick Barbarossa, the German Emperor. He recounts how his mother nursed his wounds (La pia materna mano / "A mother's kindly hand") after he was left for dead and, having recovered and before leaving again, he wants to see Lida, his sweetheart. A colleague, Rolando, who leads soldiers from Milan, arrives and, amazed, recognizes Arrigo (Ah m'abbraccia d'esultanza / "Ah! Come to my arms..."). The gathered troops all swear to defend Milan against the tyrants.
Scene 2: Beside the ramparts of the city
Lida, Rolando's wife, is downcast at the prospect of further war. A German prisoner, Marcovaldo, who has been given some degree of freedom by Rolando, declares his love for Lida, but she is disgusted. Then she is appalled to learn that her husband is returning home with none other than Arrigo. (A frenarti o cor nel petto / "My heart, no longer have I the power..."). Upon his arrival, Arrigo is clearly upset to see Lida. Rolando is called away and, left alone with Arrigo, she tries to explain that it was her father who encouraged her to marry Rolando after all believed that Arrigo had been killed in battle. Declaring her a "faithless one" Arrigo hurries away wishing only to die in battle.
The city fathers have gathered to hear the news that Milan has been forced to come to terms with the invaders. Then Arrigo and Rolando arrive to announce that a new army has invaded from the north and seek Como's help, pointing out that the city lies between Milan and the invaders. They hope that Como will intervene to help the Italian cause.
Suddenly, Barbarossa himself appears proclaiming himself as "I am Italy's great destiny", his men having surrounded the city and now further threaten Milan. He demands that Arrigo and Rolando return to Milan and seek its submission.
Arrigo joins the Knights of Death, a group which pledges itself to fight to the death rather than suffer defeat or imprisonment. All unite to swear an oath to support the cause of Italy (Giuriam d'Italia por fine ai danni / "We swear to put an end to Italy's wrongs").
Scene 2: Rolando's castle
Lida has heard of Arrigo's attachment to the Knights of Death and desperately tries to contact him via a note conveyed by her maid, Imelda. As Imelda is about to leave, Rolando sudenly arrives to say farewell to Lida and to his son who he demands to be brought to him. Imelda hides the note and then quickly leaves. He tells Lida to convey his feelings of love of his country and to bring the boy up to love the fatherland (Digli ch'e sangue italico / "Tell him he is of Italian blood").
Arrigo, who has been summoned by Rolando, who does not know of his allegiance to the Knights of Death. Thinking that Arrigo has been ordered to remain to guard Milan, Rolando begs him to take care of his wife and son in the event of his death: (Se al nuovo dì pugnando /"If when we fight on the morrow"). As Rolando leaves, Marcovaldo appears to warn him that his honor has been betrayed: the prisoner has intervened and taken the secret note which Lida wrote to Arrigo. He gives it to Rolando who angrily exclaims that he will obtain vengeance: (Mi scoppa il cor / "My heart is bursting").
Scene 3: A room in the tower
Arrigo is alone when Lida suddenly arrives to see Arrigo, not having had a response to her note. They declare a mutual love for each other but he tells her that he has not received any note, only to have Rolando attempt to burst into the room. Lida is hidden on the balcony, and Rolando confronts Arrigo telling him that he knows about his vow to the warriors of death. Opening wide the door to the balcony, Rolando discovers Lida. The men argue, but Lida declares that she is the guilty one. In a rage, Rolando storms out, locking the door, to lead his troops into battle, something which Arrigo can only watch from the balcony. Soon he plunges from it to join the soldiers below, leaving Lida in anguish.
The assembled people sing for victory and Ismelda assures Lida that Arrigo was seen to escape from the battlefield. Lida prays for both men's safety: Ah se di Arrigo e Rolando / "Ah! If I recommend to Thy care the lives of Arrigo and Rolando". A hymn of victory begins and it is confirmed by the arriving officials, who enter the church declaring that Barbarossa was slain by Arrigo. Suddenly, a group of Soldiers of Death bring the mortally wounded Arrigo into the square. Rolando approaches him and Arrigo swears that Lida is innocent and proclaims with his last breath that "Italy is saved!".
Giuseppe Verdi
Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi was an Italian Romantic composer, mainly of opera. He was one of the most influential composers of the 19th century...
to an Italian-language libretto
Libretto
A libretto is the text used in an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, masque, oratorio, cantata, or musical. The term "libretto" is also sometimes used to refer to the text of major liturgical works, such as mass, requiem, and sacred cantata, or even the story line of a...
by Salvadore Cammarano. It was based on the play
Play (theatre)
A play is a form of literature written by a playwright, usually consisting of scripted dialogue between characters, intended for theatrical performance rather than just reading. There are rare dramatists, notably George Bernard Shaw, who have had little preference whether their plays were performed...
La Bataille de Toulouse by Joseph Méry
Joseph Méry
Joseph Méry was a French writer.Méry was born at Marseille. An ardent romanticist, he collaborated with Auguste Barthélemy in many of his satires and wrote a great number of stories, now forgotten...
. The opera received its first performance on 27 January 1849, at the Teatro Argentina
Teatro Argentina
The Teatro Argentina is an opera house and theatre located in the Largo di Torre Argentina, a square in Rome, Italy. It is one of the oldest theatres in Rome, and was inaugurated on January 31, 1732 with Berenice by Domenico Sarro....
, Rome. While the premiere was successful, the opera failed in its 1850 production in Genoa.
Performance history
After initial performances around Italy the opera fell foul of the Austrian censors, but it was revived in Milan as L'assedio di Haarlem (The siege of Haarlem); in Parma 1869 it was re-titled La disfatta degli Austriaci (The defeat of the Austrians).In the 1880s it was re-styled in French as Pour la Patrie for a projected production at the Théâtre Château-d'Eau in Paris, although this adaptation was later performed in the French provinces.
The opera is rarely performed in modern times. It was seen in 1959 in Florence and Venice to commemorate the centenary of the Second Italian War of Independence
Second Italian War of Independence
The Second War of Italian Independence, Franco-Austrian War, Austro-Sardinian War, or Austro-Piedmontese War , was fought by Napoleon III of France and the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia against the Austrian Empire in 1859...
, and in Trieste in 1963 (on each occasion starring Leyla Gencer
Leyla Gencer
Leyla Gencer, or Ayşe Leyla Çeyrekgil was a world-renowned Turkish operatic soprano.Known as "La Diva Turca" and "La Regina" in the opera world, Gencer was a notable bel canto soprano who spent most of her career in Italy, from the early 1950s through the mid-1980s, and had a repertoire...
). La Scala
La Scala
La Scala , is a world renowned opera house in Milan, Italy. The theatre was inaugurated on 3 August 1778 and was originally known as the New Royal-Ducal Theatre at La Scala...
has mounted the opera only twice in the last century: once in 1916 and once in 1961. The 1961 cast was recorded and includes performances by Franco Corelli
Franco Corelli
Franco Corelli was a famous Italian tenor who had a major international opera career between 1951 and 1976. Associated in particular with the spinto and dramatic tenor roles of the Italian repertory, he was celebrated universally for his powerhouse voice, electrifying top notes, clear timbre, a...
, Antonietta Stella
Antonietta Stella
Antonietta Stella is an Italian operatic soprano, one of the finest Italian spinto sopranos of the 1950s and 1960s, possessing a beautiful and ample voice, and particularly associated with Verdi and Puccini roles.Stella studied at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, and made her...
, and Ettore Bastianini
Ettore Bastianini
Ettore Bastianini was an Italian opera singer who was particularly associated with the operas of Verdi. He had a prolific international career between 1945 and 1965 which was cut short by throat cancer. He began his professional career as a bass working in opera houses throughout Italy and in...
. The opera was not performed in the United Kingdom until 31 October 1960 when it was given its UK premiere in Cardiff
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for...
, and it was as late as 28 February 1976 that it was given by the Amato Opera
Amato Opera
The Amato Opera was an opera company located in the East Village neighborhood of the Manhattan borough of New York City. The company was produced by the husband and wife team of Anthony and Sally Amato and presented opera on a small scale with a reduced orchestra at low prices...
in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. Two concert performances have been presented by the Opera Orchestra of New York
Opera Orchestra of New York
The Opera Orchestra of New York specializes in the performance of opera in concert form. It is particularly known for its work in presenting rarely performed repertory...
; the first was in January 1987 with Matteo Manuguerra
Matteo Manuguerra
Matteo Manuguerra was a Tunisian-born French baritone, one of the leading Verdi baritones of the 1970s.Manuguerra was born in Tunis, Tunisia, to Italian parents, who later moved to Argentina. He came late to music, starting his vocal study at the age of 35, at the Buenos Aires Music Conservatory,...
, Aprile Millo
Aprile Millo
Aprile Millo is an American operatic soprano of Italian and Irish ancestry who is particularly admired for her interpretations of the works of Giuseppe Verdi. Possessing a spinto voice of power, warmth and temperament, Millo became one of the most celebrated opera singers of the late twentieth...
and Jerome Hines
Jerome Hines
The American Jerome A. Hines was a basso opera singer who performed at the Metropolitan Opera from 1946 to 1987...
while the second was given in November 2001. It has yet to be given a performance year by the Sarasota Opera
Sarasota Opera
Sarasota Opera is a professional opera company in Sarasota, Florida, USA, which owns and performs in the now-renovated 1,119-seat Sarasota Opera House. The 2011-2012 season is currently featuring Puccini’s Madama Butterfly in the fall...
as part of the "Verdi Cycle" of all Verdi's operas to be presented by 2016.
Roles
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 27 January 1849 (Conductor: - ) |
|---|---|---|
| Federico Barbarossa Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa was a German Holy Roman Emperor. He was elected King of Germany at Frankfurt on 4 March 1152 and crowned in Aachen on 9 March, crowned King of Italy in Pavia in 1155, and finally crowned Roman Emperor by Pope Adrian IV, on 18 June 1155, and two years later in 1157 the term... , German emperor |
bass | Pietro Sottovia |
| First Consul of Milan | bass | Alessandro Lanzoni |
| Second Consul of Milan | bass | Achille Testi |
| Mayor of Como | bass | Filippo Giannini |
| Rolando, Milanese leader | baritone Baritone Baritone is a type of male singing voice that lies between the bass and tenor voices. It is the most common male voice. Originally from the Greek , meaning deep sounding, music for this voice is typically written in the range from the second F below middle C to the F above middle C Baritone (or... |
Filippo Colini Filippo Colini Filippo Colini was an Italian operatic baritone. He is best known today for creating roles in the world premieres of several operas by Giuseppe Verdi, including Giacomo in Giovanna d'Arco , Rolando in La battaglia di Legnano , and Stankar in Stiffelio... |
| Lida, his wife | soprano Soprano A soprano is a voice type with a vocal range from approximately middle C to "high A" in choral music, or to "soprano C" or higher in operatic music. In four-part chorale style harmony, the soprano takes the highest part, which usually encompasses the melody... |
Teresa De Giuli-Borsi |
| Arrigo, Veronese Warrior | tenor Tenor The tenor is a type of male singing voice and is the highest male voice within the modal register. The typical tenor voice lies between C3, the C one octave below middle C, to the A above middle C in choral music, and up to high C in solo work. The low extreme for tenors is roughly B2... |
Gaetano Fraschini Gaetano Fraschini Gaetano Fraschini was an Italian tenor. He created many roles in 19th century operas, including five composed by Giuseppe Verdi. His voice was "heroic ... with a baritonal quality, ..... |
| Marcovaldo, German prisoner | baritone | Lodovico Butia |
| Imelda, Lida's servant | mezzo-soprano Mezzo-soprano A mezzo-soprano is a type of classical female singing voice whose range lies between the soprano and the contralto singing voices, usually extending from the A below middle C to the A two octaves above... |
Vincenza Marchesi |
| Arrigo's squire | tenor | Mariano Conti |
| A herald | tenor | Gaetano Ferri |
| Knights of Death, Magistrates and leaders of Como, Milanese people and Senators, Warriors of Verona, Brescia, Novara, Piacenza and Milan, and the German Army | ||
Act 1 - "He is Alive!"
Scene 1: Milan, not far from the city wallsArrigo, a young soldier who is believed by all to be dead, is part of the forces of the Lombard League which has assembled to set out on a campaign against Frederick Barbarossa, the German Emperor. He recounts how his mother nursed his wounds (La pia materna mano / "A mother's kindly hand") after he was left for dead and, having recovered and before leaving again, he wants to see Lida, his sweetheart. A colleague, Rolando, who leads soldiers from Milan, arrives and, amazed, recognizes Arrigo (Ah m'abbraccia d'esultanza / "Ah! Come to my arms..."). The gathered troops all swear to defend Milan against the tyrants.
Scene 2: Beside the ramparts of the city
Lida, Rolando's wife, is downcast at the prospect of further war. A German prisoner, Marcovaldo, who has been given some degree of freedom by Rolando, declares his love for Lida, but she is disgusted. Then she is appalled to learn that her husband is returning home with none other than Arrigo. (A frenarti o cor nel petto / "My heart, no longer have I the power..."). Upon his arrival, Arrigo is clearly upset to see Lida. Rolando is called away and, left alone with Arrigo, she tries to explain that it was her father who encouraged her to marry Rolando after all believed that Arrigo had been killed in battle. Declaring her a "faithless one" Arrigo hurries away wishing only to die in battle.
Act 2 - "Barbarossa!"
The town hall of ComoThe city fathers have gathered to hear the news that Milan has been forced to come to terms with the invaders. Then Arrigo and Rolando arrive to announce that a new army has invaded from the north and seek Como's help, pointing out that the city lies between Milan and the invaders. They hope that Como will intervene to help the Italian cause.
Suddenly, Barbarossa himself appears proclaiming himself as "I am Italy's great destiny", his men having surrounded the city and now further threaten Milan. He demands that Arrigo and Rolando return to Milan and seek its submission.
Act 3 - "Infamy!"
Scene 1: The basilica of Sant' AmbrogioArrigo joins the Knights of Death, a group which pledges itself to fight to the death rather than suffer defeat or imprisonment. All unite to swear an oath to support the cause of Italy (Giuriam d'Italia por fine ai danni / "We swear to put an end to Italy's wrongs").
Scene 2: Rolando's castle
Lida has heard of Arrigo's attachment to the Knights of Death and desperately tries to contact him via a note conveyed by her maid, Imelda. As Imelda is about to leave, Rolando sudenly arrives to say farewell to Lida and to his son who he demands to be brought to him. Imelda hides the note and then quickly leaves. He tells Lida to convey his feelings of love of his country and to bring the boy up to love the fatherland (Digli ch'e sangue italico / "Tell him he is of Italian blood").
Arrigo, who has been summoned by Rolando, who does not know of his allegiance to the Knights of Death. Thinking that Arrigo has been ordered to remain to guard Milan, Rolando begs him to take care of his wife and son in the event of his death: (Se al nuovo dì pugnando /"If when we fight on the morrow"). As Rolando leaves, Marcovaldo appears to warn him that his honor has been betrayed: the prisoner has intervened and taken the secret note which Lida wrote to Arrigo. He gives it to Rolando who angrily exclaims that he will obtain vengeance: (Mi scoppa il cor / "My heart is bursting").
Scene 3: A room in the tower
Arrigo is alone when Lida suddenly arrives to see Arrigo, not having had a response to her note. They declare a mutual love for each other but he tells her that he has not received any note, only to have Rolando attempt to burst into the room. Lida is hidden on the balcony, and Rolando confronts Arrigo telling him that he knows about his vow to the warriors of death. Opening wide the door to the balcony, Rolando discovers Lida. The men argue, but Lida declares that she is the guilty one. In a rage, Rolando storms out, locking the door, to lead his troops into battle, something which Arrigo can only watch from the balcony. Soon he plunges from it to join the soldiers below, leaving Lida in anguish.
Act 4 - "To Die For the Fatherland!"
A square in MilanThe assembled people sing for victory and Ismelda assures Lida that Arrigo was seen to escape from the battlefield. Lida prays for both men's safety: Ah se di Arrigo e Rolando / "Ah! If I recommend to Thy care the lives of Arrigo and Rolando". A hymn of victory begins and it is confirmed by the arriving officials, who enter the church declaring that Barbarossa was slain by Arrigo. Suddenly, a group of Soldiers of Death bring the mortally wounded Arrigo into the square. Rolando approaches him and Arrigo swears that Lida is innocent and proclaims with his last breath that "Italy is saved!".
Recordings
| Year | Cast (Lida; Arrigo; Rolando; Federico) |
Conductor, Opera House and Orchestra |
Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Caterina Mancini Caterina Mancini Caterina Mancini is an Italian dramatic coloratura soprano, primarily active in Italy in the 1950s.Mancini was born at Genzano di Roma. She made her debut in 1948, as Giselda in I Lombardi, in Florence... , Amedeo Berdini, Rolando Panerai Rolando Panerai Rolando Panerai Italian baritone, particularly associated with the Italian repertory, he enjoyed a long and distinguished career in both comic and dramatic roles.Rolando Panerai was born in Campi Bisenzio, near Florence, Italy.... , Albino Gaggi |
Fernando Previtali Fernando Previtali Fernando Previtali was an Italian conductor, particularly associated with the Italian repertory, especially Verdi operas.... , Orchestra Sinfonica e Coro della Rai di Roma |
Audio CD: Warner Fonit |
| 1977 | Katia Ricciarelli Katia Ricciarelli -Biography:Born at Rovigo, Veneto, to a very poor family, she struggled during her younger years when she studied music.She studied at the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory in Venice, won several vocal competitions in 1968, and made her professional debut as Mimì in La bohème in Mantua in 1969,... , José Carreras José Carreras Josep Maria Carreras i Coll , better known as José Carreras , is a Spanish Catalan tenor particularly known for his performances in the operas of Verdi and Puccini... , Matteo Manuguerra Matteo Manuguerra Matteo Manuguerra was a Tunisian-born French baritone, one of the leading Verdi baritones of the 1970s.Manuguerra was born in Tunis, Tunisia, to Italian parents, who later moved to Argentina. He came late to music, starting his vocal study at the age of 35, at the Buenos Aires Music Conservatory,... , Nicola Ghiuselev |
Lamberto Gardelli Lamberto Gardelli Lamberto Gardelli was an Italian conductor, particularly associated with the Italian opera repertory, especially the works of Giuseppe Verdi.... , ORF Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Vienna |
Audio CD: Philips Philips Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. , more commonly known as Philips, is a multinational Dutch electronics company.... Cat: 422-435-2 |
| 2001 | Elisabete Matos, Cesar Hernandez, Giorgio Cebrian, Manrico Signorini |
Nello Santi Nello Santi Nello Santi is an Italian conductor. He is often called "Papa Santi" by his fellow musicians to show their high respect for his work.-Biography:... , Teatro Massimo Bellini Teatro Massimo Bellini The Teatro Massimo Bellini is an opera house in Catania, Sicily, southern Italy. Named after the local-born composer Vincenzo Bellini, it was inaugurated on 31 May 1890 with a performance of the composer's masterwork, Norma... Orchestra and Chorus (Video recording of a performance in the Teatro Massimo Bellini di Catania,December) |
DVD: Bongiovanni Cat: AB20001 |