g of Gaea is heard once more.

The curtain falls.

ERNANI.

A melodramatic Opera in four parts.

Taken from VICTOR HUGO'S Drama of the same name.

Text by F. MARIA PIAVE.

Music by GIUSEPPE VERDI.

Verdi wrote this opera in 1844 when in his thirtieth year. One cannot
help being struck by the improvement shown in it, as compared with
Verdi's first operas Nabukadnezar and the Lombardi, and through Ernani
the composer at once became one of the most popular musicians in Italy.

The opera did not however at first find favour {411} in France and
Germany, and Verdi's fame was only established in these countries by
his later operas, Rigoletto and Il Trovatore. But of late Ernani has
been revived and duly appreciated wherever his fine melodies are heard,
and its passionnate verve is felt, which is mostly due to its highly
dramatic subject.

Here is a brief outline of the libretto:--

Ernani, an Italian rebel of obscure parentage is the accepted lover of
Donna Elvira, the high-born niece of Don Ruy Gomez de Silva, Grandee of
Spain.

Donna Elvira is also coveted by Don Carlos, King of Spain, and by her
old uncle Silva, who is about to wed her, much against her will.

Ernani comes to Silva's castle in the garb of a pilgrim, and finds the
King in Donna Elvira's room, trying to lure her away. Here they are
surprised by de Silva, who, failing to recognize his sovereign
challenges both men to mortal combat.--When he recognizes the King in
one of his foes, he is in despair and humbly craves his pardon, which
is granted to him.--At the same time Don Carlos sends Ernani away on a
distant errand, hoping to rid himself of him once for all; but Donna
Elvira vows to kill herself rather than belong either to the King or to
her uncle, and promises unwavering constancy to her lover Ernani.

Nevertheless the second Act shows Elvira on the eve of her wedding with
her uncle de Silva.

Ernani, once more proclaimed an outlaw seeks {412} refuge in de Silva's
castle, again disguised as a pilgrim. But when Ernani hears of Donna
Elvira's approaching marriage with de Silva, he reveals his identity
and offers his head to the old man, telling him that his life is
forfeited and that a reward is offered for his capture. De Silva is
too generous to betray his rival; he orders the gates of the castle to
be barred at once.--While this is being done, Ernani violently
reproaches Elvira for having played him false. She answers, that