FIDELIO
The only opera by Ludwig Van Beethoven, this was originally titled Leonore, or The Triumph of Marital Love. It was premiered at the Theater an der Wien in 1805, and was not well received. The opera was subsequently modified and shortened; the earlier two versions are known as Leonore. The final version was first performed at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna in 1814.
Like most operas, it's a romantic drama: story of personal sacrifice, heroism, and eventual triumph. The underlying struggle for liberty and justice mirrored contemporary political movements in Europe. It is also notable for its unusually strong female protagonist.
The libretto tells how Leonore, disguised as a prison guard named "Fidelio", rescues her husband, Spanish aristocrat Florestan, from death in gaol, where he is being held unjustly by his political enemy Don Pizarro.
Fidelio/Leonore unwittingly seduces Marzelline, whose father, Rocco the Gaoler, gives his permission to marry her. Pizarro is concerned about an inspection by the king's minister, Don Fernando, who suspects the governor of abusing his power. He then orders Rocco to kill Florestan, but Rocco refuses. Leonore/Fidelio beseeches the gaoler to accompany her to the dungeon, and he agrees.
When Pizarro goes down to the cell to kill Florestan, Leonore reveals herself, steps in and threatens her husband's tormentor. Meanwhile Fernando arrives, saves Florestan, chastises Pizarro, and frees the prisoners who, in a splendid finale scene, sing a joyful hymn with the people.
Seville location
The Castillo San Jorge in Triana, the seat of Spanish Inquisition from 1481 until the 17th century, provided the prison setting for Fidelio. Now home to an interpretation centre about religious tolerance, it is situated in Triana next to the Isabel II bridge, underneath the market.
