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“Fidelio”
by Ludwig van Beethoven libretto (English)
| Contents: Cast, overture, introduction; Act One; Act Two |
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Scene One A dark subterranean dungeon. Left, a well, covered in stones and rubble. Behind, several grilled openings in the wall show steps to the floor above. The lowest steps and the cell door on the right. A lamp is burning. (Florestan is alone, sitting on a stone, his body chained by a long fetter to the wall.) |
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No.11: Introduction and Aria Introduction FLORESTAN God! What darkness here! O gruesome silence! Around me all is desolate, nothing alive save myself. O heavy trial! But God’s will is just! I do not complain! The measure of suffering is His. In the spring days of life happiness has flown from me. Boldly I dared to speak the truth, and fetters are my reward. Willingly I endure all suffering, end my course pitiably, sweet comfort in my heart: I have done my duty! Do I not feel a gentle, soft-stirring breeze? And is not my tomb illumined? I see in the rosy air as it were an angel moving to my side in pity. An angel, so like my wife Leonore, who leads me to freedom in the Heavenly Kingdom! (He sinks down on the boulder, hiding his face in his hands. Rocco and Leonore are seen descending the steps at the back. They carry a jug, and digging tools and a lantern. The cell is now partly lit by the open door.) |
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No.12: Melodrama and Duet LEONORE How cold it is in this subterranean vault! ROCCO That is natural, it’s a long way down. LEONORE (looks agitatedly about her) I thought we would not find the entrance at all. ROCCO (turns towards Florestan) There he is. LEONORE (trying to recognize the prisoner) He seems quite motionless. ROCCO Perhaps he is dead. LEONORE You think so? (Florestan makes a movement.) ROCCO No, no, he’s asleep. We must make use of that and set to work instantly, we have no time to lose. LEONORE (aside) It is impossible to distinguish his features. God pre- serve me if it is he! ROCCO Here under these ruins is the well of which I told you. We need not dig far to reach the opening. Give me the pick, and you stand over there. (He climbs into the hole up to his waist, sets down the jug and lays the bunch of keys nearby. Leonore stands on the edge and passes the pick to him.) Are you trembling? Are you frightened? LEONORE Oh, no, only it is so cold. |
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ROCCO Come on then. You’ll soon get warm working. (Rocco begins digging. Whenever he stoops, Leonore takes the opportunity to watch the prisoner.) ROCCO Make haste, dig on, it will not be long before he comes. LEONORE (also working) You shall have no cause for complaint. You’ll certainly be content. ROCCO Come, help me lift this stone! Take care! Take care! It is heavy. LEONORE I’m helping now, do not worry, I’ll do my best. ROCCO A little more! LEONORE Patience! ROCCO It’s giving! LEONORE Just a little more! ROCCO It’s no light weight! (They let the stone roll over the rubble.) ROCCO Make haste, dig on, it will not be long before he comes. LEONORE Only let me recover strength, we shall soon reach the end. (trying to watch the prisoner; aside) Whoever you are, I will save you, by God! You shall not be a victim! For sure I’ll loose your chains, I will free you, poor man! ROCCO (standing up suddenly) |
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What, are you idling in your task? LEONORE (begins to work again) No, father, no, I am not idling. ROCCO Make haste, dig on, it will not be long before he comes. LEONORE You shall have no cause for complaint. Only let me recover strength, for no work is too hard for me. (Rocco takes a draught from the jug.) LEONORE He is waking! ROCCO Waking, did you say? LEONORE Yes, he has just raised his head. ROCCO No doubt he will have a thousand more questions to ask me. I must speak with him alone. Climb down in my place and clear away just enough so that we can open the cistern easily. LEONORE (in terror, climbs down a few steps) What I am suffering is indescribable! ROCCO (to Florestan) Well, have you been resting again for a few moments? FLORESTAN Resting? How could I find rest? LEONORE (aside) That voice! If only I could see his face for a moment. FLORESTAN Will you always be deaf to my complaints, hard man? (He turns his head, at this, to face Leonore.) |
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LEONORE God! It is he! (She falls unconscious on the edge of the hole.) FLORESTAN Do tell me at last, who is the governor of this prison? ROCCO The governor of this prison is Don Pizarro. FLORESTAN Pizarro! He it is whose crimes I dared to reveal. LEONORE (recovering gradually) O barbarian! Your cruelty gives me back my strength. FLORESTAN Oh, send to Seville as quickly as possible, ask for Leonore Florestan. LEONORE God! He does not know that she is even now digging his grave. FLORESTAN Tell her that I lie here in chains! ROCCO It is impossible, I tell you. It would be the end of me, and you would have gained nothing. FLORESTAN Then if I am condemned to end my life here, let me not slowly die of thirst. LEONORE (jumps up and clings to the wall) O God! Who can bear it? FLORESTAN In pity's name, give me just one drop of water. That is so little! ROCCO (aside) It goes to my heart, against my will. |
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LEONORE He seems to be weakening. FLORESTAN Won't you answer me? ROCCO I cannot give you what you ask. All that I can offer you is the dregs of the wine that I have in my jug. Fidelio! LEONORE (bringing the jug in utmost haste) Here it is! Here it is! FLORESTAN (looks at Leonore) Who is that? ROCCO My jailer, and in a few days my son-in-law. (gives the jug to Florestan who drinks) There's only a litle wine, I grant, but I give it to you gladly. (to Leonore) You are very agitated! LEONORE (confused) Who would not be? You yourself, Master Rocco... ROCCO Yes, it is true – -the man has such a voice... LEONORE Yes, it penetrates to the depths of the heart. |
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No.13: Trio FLORESTAN May you be rewarded in better worlds, heaven has sent you to me. O thanks, you have refreshed me sweetly; the good deed, I cannot repay it. ROCCO (to Leonore, aside) I gladly gave him a drink, poor man, it will be all up with him soon. LEONORE (aside) How fiercely pounds this heart, it heaves with joy and sharp sorrow! FLORESTAN (aside) I see the boy is moved, and emotion this man shows too! O God, you send me hope that I may yet win them over. LEONORE (aside) How fiercely pounds this heart, the glorious, dread moment approaches that brings me death or deliverance. ROCCO (aside) I do what my duty requires, though I hate all cruelty. LEONORE (softly to Rocco) This crust of bread, for two days I’ve been carrying it about me. ROCCO I would like to, but I tell you it would really be risking too much. LEONORE Oh, gladly you gave the poor man a drink. ROCCO That’s not the same, that’s not the same. LEONORE It will soon be all over with him! |
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ROCCO Well, so be it, you can risk it! LEONORE Here, take the bread, you poor man! FLORESTAN (grasping Leonore’s hand, and pressing it to himself) O thank you! O thanks! May you be rewarded in better worlds. Heaven has sent you to me. O thanks! You have refreshed me sweetly. LEONORE Heaven send you rescue; that will be rich reward for me. ROCCO Your suffering here has often moved me, but help was strictly forbidden me. FLORESTAN I see the boy here is moved, and this man is stirred too; Oh, if only I can win them over! LEONORE You gladly gave the poor man a drink! ROCCO I gladly gave the poor man a drink, it will soon be all over with him! (Florestan devours the crust of bread.) (to Leonore) All is ready. I'll go and give the signal. (He goes to the back.) LEONORE O God, give me courage and strength! FLORESTAN (to Leonore, as Rocco opens the door) Where is he going? (Rocco whistles loudly.) Is that the signal for my death? LEONORE (violently moved) No, no! Calm yourself, dear prisoner! FLORESTAN |
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O my Leonore, shall I never see you again? (Leonore feels herself drawn to Florestan and seeks to master her urge.) LEONORE (aside) My whole heart pulls me to him. (to Florestan) Be calm, I tell you. Whatever you may hear and see, do not forget that a Providence governs all things. Yes, yes, there is a Providence! (She withdraws and goes towards the well. Rocco returns with Pizarro, who is muffled in a cloak.) PIZARRO (to Rocco, disguising his voice) Is everything ready? ROCCO Yes. Shall I remove his chains? PIZARRO No, but unchain him from the stone. Time presses! (He draws out a dagger.) |
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No.14: Quartet PIZARRO Let him die! But first he shall know who hacks his proud heart from him. Revenge’s pall be ripped away! Look here! You did not confound me! (opens his cloak) Pizarro, whom you sought to ruin, Pizarro, whom you should fear, now stands here as avenger. FLORESTAN A common murderer stands before me. PIZARRO Once more I recall to you what you once did. Only a moment more, and this dagger... (He makes to stab Florestan. Leonore springs forward with a piercing cry and shields Florestan with her body.) LEONORE Back! FLORESTAN O God! ROCCO What’s this? LEONORE You must first stab this heart! I have sworn death to you for your bloodthirstiness! PIZARRO Madman! (pushes her away) ROCCO (to Leonore) Stop! Stop! FLORESTAN O God! |
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PIZARRO He shall be punished! LEONORE (shielding her husband again) First kill his wife! PIZARRO His wife? ROCCO His wife? FLORESTAN My wife? LEONORE (to Florestan) Yes, behold here Leonore! FLORESTAN Leonore! LEONORE (to the others) I am his wife, I have sworn comfort for him, destruction for you! PIZARRO His wife? ROCCO His wife? FLORESTAN My wife? LEONORE Yes, I am his wife! I have sworn comfort for him, destruction for you! PIZARRO What unheard of courage! FLORESTAN My blood stands still with joy. ROCCO My blood stands still with fear. |
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LEONORE (aside) I defy this rage! Destruction for him, I defy his rage! PIZARRO Ha, shall I tremble before a woman? Then I sacrifice them both to my fury! You have shared life with him, now share death with him. LEONORE Death I have sworn you, first you must stab this heart! (suddenly brandishing a pistol at him) One more sound – and you are dead! (The trumpet sounds from the tower.) Ah, you are saved! Almighty God! FLORESTAN Ah, I am saved! Almighty God! PIZARRO Ha! The Minister! Death and damnation! ROCCO Oh! what is that? Righteous God! (Pizarro and Rocco stand dumbfounded. Leonore and Florestan embrace. The trumpet sounds again, but loud- er. Jaquino, two officers, and soldiers bearing torches, appear at the uppermost opening on the staircase.) JAQUINO Father Rocco! Father Rocco! My Lord minister has arrived. His retinue is already waiting in the castle yard. ROCCO (joyful and surprised, aside) Praise be to God! (to Jaquino, very loud) We're coming; yes, we're coming at once! And these fellows with the torches must come down and accom- pany our lord Governor upstairs. (The soldiers descend the stairs. The officers and Jaquino ascend again.) LEONORE The hour of vengeance strikes! You will be saved! FLORESTAN |
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The hour of vengeance strikes! I shall be saved! PIZARRO Accursed be this hour! The hypocrites mock me. ROCCO O fearful hour, O God, what awaits me? PIZARRO Despair is in league with my revenge. Accursed be this hour! The hypocrites mock me. LEONORE Love in league with courage will save you! FLORESTAN Love in league with courage will save me. The hour of vengeance strikes, I shall be saved. ROCCO No longer will I be in league with this tyrant. O fearful hour! O God! What awaits me? (Pizarro rushes away, with a sign that Rocco shall follow him. Rocco takes the opportunity of Pizarro’s departure to clasp the hands of Leonore and Florestan, presses them to his heart, points to Heaven and hurries out. The soldiers light Pizarro’s way.) FLORESTAN Oh, my Leonore, what have you done for me? LEONORE Nothing, nothing, my Florestan! |
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No.15: Duet LEONORE and FLORESTAN O nameless joy! LEONORE My husband on my breast! FLORESTAN On Leonore’s breast! LEONORE and FLORESTAN After unspeakable suffering such surpassing delight! LEONORE You once more in my arms! FLORESTAN O God, how great is Thy mercy! BOTH O thank Thee, God, for this joy. LEONORE My husband, my husband on my breast! FLORESTAN My wife, my wife on my breast! It is you! LEONORE It is I! FLORESTAN O heavenly ecstasy! Leonore! LEONORE Florestan! LEONORE and FLORESTAN O nameless joy, after such unspeakable suffering such surpassing joy! |
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Scene Two The castle parade ground, with a statue of the king (At the third bar of the introductory music the castle guards march on and form an open quadrangle. Then from one side enters the Minister Don Fernando, accompanied by Pizarro. A crowd hurries forward. From the other side Jaquino and Marzelline lead in the state prisoners who kneel before Don Fernando.) |
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No.16: Finale CHORUS OF PEOPLE AND PRISONERS Hail the day, hail the hour, long yearned for but unforeseen. Justice in league with mercy appears at the threshold of our grave! DON FERNANDO Our best of kings’ will and pleasure leads me here to you, poor people, that I may uncover the night of crime, which black and heavy encompassed all. No longer kneel down like slaves, stern tyranny be far from me! A brother seeks his brothers, and gladly helps, if help he can. CHORUS Hail the day! Hail the hour! DON FERNANDO A brother seeks his brothers, and gladly helps, if help he can. (Rocco breaks through the guards, bringing Leonore and Florestan.) ROCCO Then help these poor creatures! PIZARRO What do I see? Ha! ROCCO (to Pizarro) Does it move you? PIZARRO (to Rocco) Away, away! DON FERNANDO (to Rocco) Now speak! ROCCO May Heaven’s mercy reunite this couple! Don Florestan... |
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DON FERNANDO (stunned) He, believed dead, the noble man who fought for truth? ROCCO ...and suffered torments without number. DON FERNANDO My friend, my friend, believed dead? Fettered, pale he stands before me. LEONORE and ROCCO Yes, Florestan, you see him here. ROCCO And Leonore... DON FERNANDO (still astonished) Leonore! ROCCO ...paragon of women I present you; she came here... PIZARRO To say two words I... DON FERNANDO Not one word! (to Rocco) She came... ROCCO ...to my door, and entered my service as a boy, and served so well and truly that I chose her as my son-in-law. MARZELLINE Alas! What do I hear! ROCCO This very hour that villain would have wreaked murder on Florestan. PIZARRO Wreaked it, with him! ROCCO We two in league, |
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(to Don Fernando) only your arrival called him away. CHORUS Let the miscreant be punished who suppresses innocence! Righteousness at judgment holds the drawn sword of vengeance. (Pizarro is led away.) DON FERNANDO (to Rocco) You opened up the noble man’s grave, now remove his fetters! But stop! Yours, noble lady, yours alone is the real right to set him free. LEONORE O God! Oh, what a moment! FLORESTAN O inexpressibly sweet happiness! DON FERNANDO Righteous, O God, is Thy judgment! MARZELLINE, ROCCO Thou dost try, but not forsake us. CHORUS, LEONORE, MARZELLINE, FLORESTAN, DON FERNANDO, ROCCO O God! Oh, what a moment! O inexpressibly sweet happiness! Righteous, O God, is Thy judgment. Thou dost try, but not forsake us. CHORUS He who has won a lovely wife may join in our rejoicing. Never can we too much hymn the saviour of her husband’s life. FLORESTAN Your loyalty sustained my life, virtue banishes the villain. LEONORE Love guided my efforts, true love fears nothing. CHORUS Praise with high blazing joy |
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Leonore’s noble courage. FLORESTAN and CHORUS He who has won such a wife may join in our rejoicing, never can we too much hymn the saviour of her husband’s life. LEONORE Loving, to me it was given to free you from your chains. Loving, be it sung aloud: Florestan is mine again! MARZELLINE, JAQUINO, DON FERNANDO, ROCCO He who has won such a wife may join in our rejoicing. Never can we too much hymn the saviour of her husband’s life. CHORUS He who has won a lovely wife may join in our rejoicing. Never can we too much hymn the saviour of her husband’s life. LEONORE Loving, to me it was given to free you from your chains. MARZELLINE Loving, to you it was given to free him from his chains. FLORESTAN Loving, to you it was given to free me from my chains. JAQUINO, DON FERNANDO, ROCCO Loving, to her it was given to free him from his chains. CHORUS Never can we too much hymn the saviour of her husband’s life. END OF THE OPERA |
| libretto by William Mann |
| Contents: Cast, overture, introduction; Act One; Act Two |