Il trovatore at Houston Grand Opera

The opera is set in fifteenth-century Spain, a period of civil war. The present ruler, the Prince of Aragon, is battling the forces of the Prince of Urgel to hold onto the throne. Count di Luna, a leading supporter of the Prince of Aragon, is in love with Leonora, lady-in-waiting to the Princess of Aragon.

Act I, “The Duel”

Ferrando, captain of the guard commanded by Count di Luna, tells his men a story. Many years ago, when the Count was still a child, an old Gypsy was caught standing over the cradle of his baby brother, Garzia. When the baby grew ill, it was thought the Gypsy had bewitched him, and she was hunted down and burned at the stake. The Gypsy's daughter, Azucena, avenged her mother's death by kidnapping Garzia. Later, the half-burnt skeleton of a child was found on the same spot where the old Gypsy had been executed.

Leonora, walking in her garden with her friend Inez, confides her love for a mysterious knight who has come to serenade her at night. In the darkness, Leonora hears his voice and rushes to meet him, only to find herself in the arms of the Count. The mysterious troubadour steps out of the shadows, identifying himself as Manrico. Count di Luna challenges his rival to a duel.

Act II, “The Gypsy”

As dawn breaks in the Biscay Mountains, a band of Gypsies sing as they work. As if in a trance, Azucena describes her mother's fiery execution. Her son, Manrico, weak from wounds sustained in battle, asks to hear the full story. Azucena describes how she stole Garzia and intended to throw him into the flames, but in her delirium, she hurled her own son into the fire instead. Horrified, Manrico questions whether he is indeed her son. A messenger brings news that Leonora believes the troubadour is dead and plans to enter a convent. Despite Azucena's entreaties, Manrico rushes away.

Di Luna, consumed with passion for Leonora, waits by the cloister planning to kidnap her before she takes her vows. When she enters with a group of nuns, he strides forward, only to be halted by Manrico, who suddenly appears with his men. As the two forces struggle, the lovers joyfully escape.

INTERMISSION

Act III, “The Gypsy's Son”

Di Luna has pitched camp near the bastion of Castellor, where Manrico has taken Leonora. Ferrando leads in Azucena, who was captured lurking nearby. The Gypsy says she is only searching for her son. Di Luna reveals his identity, at which Azucena recoils and is recognized by Ferrando, who drags her to the stake by order of the Count.

Inside the castle, Manrico assures Leonora that her love makes him invincible and that Di Luna's army will be conquered. As the couple prepares to go to the wedding chapel, Manrico's friend Ruiz bursts in to report that Azucena has been tied to the stake. Proclaiming that he will save his mother, Manrico vows vengeance on Di Luna.

Act IV, “The Torture”

Ruiz brings Leonora to the tower at the Aliaferia Palace, where Di Luna has imprisoned Manrico and Azucena. When Di Luna appears, Leonora agrees to yield to him in order to save Manrico. The astonished Count accepts the bargain and goes to inform the guard. During his absence, Leonora swallows poison that she has concealed in a ring.

In their cell, Manrico comforts Azucena. Leonora rushes in to tell her lover he is saved, urging him to flee. When he learns she has offered herself to Di Luna in exchange for his life, Manrico curses her faithlessness. The poison begins to take effect, however, and realizing what she has done for his sake, Manrico takes her into his arms as she dies. Cheated of his prize, Di Luna furiously sends Manrico to the executioner's block, forcing Azucena to watch as the ax falls. In exultation she cries that her mother is avenged. Di Luna has killed his own brother.