BEETHOVEN’s Fidelio

Dive Deeper

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Synopsis

ACT I

The opera opens as Marzelline, the daughter of the jailer, Rocco, rejects the attentions of her father's assistant, Jacquino. He makes clear his hopes to marry her. Instead, her heart is set on Rocco’s new assistant, Fidelio, who soon arrives with the prison’s dispatches. Fidelio attempts to conceal his distress at Marzelline's interest in him. This is made worse with the blessing of her father. Fidelio is in fact Leonore, a noblewoman who has come to the jail disguised as a boy. She is determined to find her husband, Florestan, a political prisoner languishing somewhere in chains. When Rocco mentions a man lying near death in the vaults below, Leonore, suspects it might be Florestan. She begs Rocco to take her on his rounds. He agrees, however, the governor of the prison, Don Pizarro, will allow only Rocco in the lower levels of the dungeon.

Soldiers assemble in the courtyard with the governor, Pizarro. He learns from the dispatches brought to him that Don Fernando, minister of state, is on his way to inspect the fortress. At this news, Don Pizarro resolves to kill Florestan, his enemy, without delay and orders Rocco to dig a grave for the victim in the dungeon. Leonore, overhearing this plan, prays for strength to save her husband and keep up hope. She again begs Rocco to let her accompany him to the condemned man's cell. With this plea is another, to allow the prisoners a few moments of air in the courtyard. Rocco reluctantly agrees. The prisoners relish their brief glimpse of freedom, but are ordered back to their cells by Pizarro. The governor then hurries Rocco off to dig Florestan's grave. With apprehension, Leonore follows him into the dungeon.

ACT II

In the depths of the prison, Florestan dreams he sees Leonore arrive to free him. But his vision turns to despair, and he sinks down exhausted. Rocco and Leonore arrive and begin digging the grave. Florestan awakens, not recognizing his wife. Leonore almost loses her composure at the familiar sound of his voice. Florestan’s condition has Rocco offer him a drink, and Leonore give him a bit of bread, urging him not to lose faith.   Pizarro comes to confirm that all is ready and is immediately angered when he sees Florestan. The governor advances with dagger drawn to strike, but Leonore stops him with a pistol. At this moment a trumpet sounds from the battlements: Don Fernando has arrived. Rocco leads Pizarro out to meet him as Leonore and Florestan rejoice in each other's arms.

In the prison courtyard, Don Fernando proclaims justice for all. He is amazed when Rocco brings his old friend Florestan and learns the details of Leonore's heroism. Pizarro is arrested. Leonore herself removes Florestan's chains. In the moment of humanity, Fernando frees the other prisoners as well. All hail Leonore’s love, courage and determination.

Read the program notes by Martin Pearlman here