Lyric Opera 2022-2023 Issue 1-Ernani

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 24 Act three: CLEMENCY At Charlemagne’s tomb in Aachen, Carlo is waiting for the electors’ choice of the next Holy Roman Emperor. He thinks about the futility of wealth and power and vows to rule wisely if chosen. As a group of conspirators led by Ernani and Silva gathers to plan his assassination, he hides. Ernani is chosen as the one to kill the king, and the men look forward to a better future for Spain. When cannon shots announce that Carlo has been elected emperor, he emerges from his hiding place and orders the conspirators to be punished. The nobles are to be executed, the commoners imprisoned. Ernani reveals his true identity and demands to share the fate of the other noblemen. Elvira again pleads for his life. Addressing himself to the spirit of Charlemagne, the new emperor pardons the conspirators and agrees to the marriage of Ernani and Elvira. Act four: THE MASK At his palace in Saragossa, Ernani is celebrating his upcoming marriage to Elvira. A horn sounds in the distance, interrupting a brief moment alone for the happy couple. The horn announces Silva, who enters demanding that Ernani fulfill his oath. Sending the terrified Elvira away, Ernani confronts his rival and pleads for a moment of happiness at the end of his miserable life. Elvira returns as Silva hands Ernani a knife and demands the life that has been promised to him. Reprinted courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera Synopsis continued