RIENZI, THE LAST TRIBUNES

(Rienzi, Der Letzte der Tribunen) Composer: RICHARD WAGNER Book by the composer from Bulwer-Lytton’s novel of the same name First performance: Hoftheater, Dresden, October 20, 1842 5 acts. BASED on the character of Rienzi, the Roman tribune of the fourteenth century, this is the story of the abduction of Irene, sister of Cola di Rienzi. Paolo Orsini, a noble, has captured her. His right to her is contested by Steffano Colonna. Adriano, Colonna’s son, protects Irene from the warring factions. When Rienzi decides to overthrow the nobles and save the people, Adriano gives him his support. When this is an accomplished fact the nobles come to the Capitol to's ubmit to his rule. Adriano is convinced that foul work is afoot, and warns Rienzi who prepares himself so that, when Orsini leaps upon him with a dagger, hidden armour protects him. Adriano’s pleas for the release of his father, after all the nobles have been condemned to death, leads Rienzi to tree them all. The nobles immediately betray their pardon, and battle the people. They are defeated, but Adriano’s father, Colonna, is killed. Adriano serves warrant on Rienzi that the death must be avenged. Rienzi is Coronated and, almost immediately, it is rumoured that he is a partisan of the Emperor’s. Adriano tries to a a inate him and, unsucce ful, goes to Irene and tells her of the danger Rienzi is in. He asks her to flee with him but she won’t. She goes to the Capitol, and finds Rienzi in prayer. He pleads with her to leave with Adriano. She will not go, but stays with her brother in the Capitol, perishing with him. Adriano, who wants to be with her, dies in the flames trying to get to her.