Mariinsky II (New Theatre)

Synopsis

The events take place in Aragon and Aachen in 1519

Act I: "The Robber"

Bandits are hiding in the mountains of Aragon. They are feasting, singing a drinking song. Only the leader of the bandits, Hernani, in reality Don Juan of Aragon, is sad. He is in love with Elvira, who lives in the castle of his uncle, Don Ruy Gomez de Silva. The old grandee intends to marry his niece. Hernani, together with his men, heads to de Silva's castle to steal his beloved from there.Elvira's chambers in de Silva's castle. The girl is in despair, because she is about to marry the hated old man. She remembers her beloved Hernani. The maids bring rich gifts from the groom, but nothing pleases the bride. As soon as the maids leave, Don Carlos, the King of Castile, appears on the threshold of the room. He is also in love with Elvira and wants to make her his favorite. The proud girl indignantly rejects the royal courtship. Hernani enters the room through a secret door to take Elvira with him. The meeting of the rivals almost ends in bloodshed. Hernani and Don Carlos have an old score to settle, since Carlos's father killed Hernani's father. De Silva suddenly enters, followed by the other inhabitants of the castle. Silva is astonished to see two men in his bride's room. The Grandee intends to deal with both of them, starting with the one hiding his face with a cloak. Don Riccardo, the king's squire, appears. He shows Don Carlos the honors due to a monarch, and at that moment de Silva and his household realize who is in front of them. Don Carlos, in order to hide the true reason for his presence in the castle, declares that he has come to discuss the upcoming succession to the throne with the wise Grandee. In order not to give up Hernani, the king calls him a man from his retinue, and the robber leaves the castle unhindered.

Act II: "The Guest"

The banquet hall in de Silva's castle. Elvira, dressed in her wedding dress, is preparing for the wedding ceremony. The maids sing a congratulatory song. Elvira believes that Hernani has been killed by the king's supporters, but Don Juan of Aragon is actually alive and is right here in the castle, disguised as a pilgrim. Having revealed himself to de Silva and Elvira, he offers them a wedding gift - his own life. However, de Silva cannot give Hernani up to the king, since he is bound by the laws of hospitality. A fight with the king's soldiers is planned, and de Silva leaves to organize the defense of the castle. Hernani and Elvira are left alone. De Silva returns and finds them in each other's arms. The old man is furious and thirsts for revenge. At this moment, the king approaches the castle gates with his army, and de Silva hides Ernani in a hiding place.Don Carlos enters. The king demands that Ernani be handed over, but the laws of honor do not allow de Silva to hand over a guest, no matter who he is. The angry Don Carlos threatens to take Elvira hostage, but de Silva is adamant. The king takes the girl away.As soon as everyone leaves, de Silva releases Ernani from the hiding place and hands him a sword for a duel. However, the noble young robber does not want to fight his savior, who is also an old man. Ernani is ready to die voluntarily, but asks for a reprieve in order to see Elvira once more. De Silva reports that the king has taken Elvira away. After Ernani's explanations, he finally understands that Don Carlos is their common rival. The Grandee gathers his men, intending to take revenge, but refuses the help of the robber. Then Ernani promises to die at the moment that de Silva will determine. The signal for suicide is to be given by a hunting horn.

Act III: "Mercy"

The conspirators have gathered in the crypt of the Aachen Cathedral, where the ashes of Emperor Charlemagne rest. They wish for the death of Don Carlos. The lot falls to Ernani to kill the king. Don Carlos overhears the plot. Suddenly a cannon shot is heard, announcing Don Carlos's accession to the imperial throne. Carlos, now Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, comes out to the conspirators. The catacombs are filled with warriors and courtiers to greet the new emperor. Elvira also arrives. Don Carlos orders the conspirators to be disarmed and executed. Elvira begs the emperor for mercy. He heeds the pleas of his beloved woman, restores Ernani to his titles and blesses the union of Don Juan of Aragon with Elvira.

Act IV: "The Mask"

A wedding is being celebrated in the castle of Don Juan of Aragon. A dark figure in a mask flickers among the guests. On the terrace of the castle, Hernani and Elvira are enjoying their happiness, when suddenly the sound of a horn is heard. The agreement with de Silva is still in effect, and Hernani is ready to fulfill his oath. In order to make his wife leave the terrace, Hernani has invented an excuse: he supposedly feels ill and needs a balm. De Silva appears. The vengeful old man offers Hernani a choice of poison or a dagger. Elvira returns, she is horrified and begs de Silva to cancel the terrible agreement. All is in vain: Hernani chooses the dagger and stabs himself. The unfortunate Elvira falls dead on her husband's body.