Librettist: Francesca Maria Piave
Based on Piave's libretto for Stiffelio.

Cast of Characters

• Aroldo, (tenor) a Saxon Knight
• Mina, (soprano) his wife
• Egberto, (baritone) Mina's father
• Godvino, (tenor) a Knight
• Birano, (bass) a holy man
• Enrico, (tenor) Mina's cousin
• Elena, (mezzo-soprano) Mina's cousin
• Crusaders, servants, the Knights and their ladies and hunters.

Setting

England and Scotland around 1200 A. D.

Premiere

Teatro Nuovo, Rimini, Italy; 16^th August 1857.

Plot

Aroldo has been away on the crusades. Upon his return, he discovers that Mina had an affair with Godvino. Mina's father murders Godvino in a duel and Mina leaves in disgrace. Sometime later, Aroldo and Mina are re-united and after first repulsing her, love triumphs and the two are reunited.

Memorable Music

The Overture
Sotto il sol di Siria
O, d'alli scami
Ah! dagli scanni eterei
Final Quartet

Copyright © Stephen L. Parker, 1996