Don Carlo (four act 'Milanese' version)

 

The four-act 'Milanese' version of Don Carlo (in Italian) was first performed at La Scala on 10 January 1884, the result of revisions made to the work by Giuseppe Verdi during 1882-3. The composer had written a five act version of 'Don Carlos' (in French), first performed in Paris on 11 March 1867, including a first act set in France (the Fontainebleu Scene). This act was removed in the shortened 1884 version (though it was reinstated in a subsequent 1886 Italian version).

 

Based on the play by Friedrich Schiller, Don Carlo is one of the grandest of historical operas. It is set in Spain during the mid 16th century and concerns King Philip II, his son and heir the Infante Don Carlo, and the young French princess, Elisabeth of Valois. Before the opera begins, Don Carlo and Elisabeth have met and fallen in love anticipating their marriage, but unexpectedly the princess has been claimed by the old King instead.

 

Act 1: Scene 1

At the monastery of San Juste monks pray for the soul of Emperor Charles V. His grandson Don Carlo enters, anguished that the woman he loves is now married to his father. A monk resembling the former emperor offers him eventual consolation of peace through God. Don Carlo's friend Rodrigo, Marquis of Posa, has just come from the oppressed land of Flanders. He asks for the Infante's aid on behalf of the suffering people there. Don Carlo reveals that he loves Elisabeth. Rodrigo encourages him to leave Spain and go to Flanders. The royal party enter.

 

Scene 2

In a garden near San Juste, Princess Eboli sings the Veil Song ('Nei giardin di bello') about a Moorish King and an alluring veiled beauty that turned out to be his neglected wife. Elisabeth enters. Rodrigo delivers a letter from France (and secretly a note from Don Carlo). At his urging, Elisabeth agrees to see the Infante. Meanwhile Eboli is hopeful that it is her that Don Carlo loves.

 

Don Carlo asks Elisabeth to request Philip to send him to Flanders. She promptly agrees, provoking Don Carlo to renew his declarations of love, which she resists because they are now mother and son. After the Infante leaves, the King finds the Queen unattended, and orders her lady-in-waiting to return to France. The King approaches Rodrigo. Refusing to listen to Rodrigo's pleas for Flanders, he nevertheless places his trust in him, while advising him to beware of the Grand Inquisitor.

 

Act 2 : Scene 1

Don Carlo has received a note, apparently from Elisabeth, suggesting a midnight meeting in the Queen's gardens. However it is with Eboli not Elisabeth. She is delighted when he declares his love, but horrified when she realizes that it is not for her but for the Queen. Rodrigo enters and Eboli threatens them: she will tell the King that Elisabeth and Don Carlo are lovers. Rodrigo tells Don Carlo to entrust him with any sensitive political documents in his possession.

 

Scene 2

Monks lead in those condemned by the Inquisition to be burnt to death, followed by the royal procession for the coronation of the King and Queen. Don Carlo and the Flemish deputies interrupt the procession asking for the King's mercy. The people and the court are sympathetic, but the King, supported by the Inquisition, orders their arrest. Don Carlo bars the way, drawing his sword against the King. When no-one will disarm him, Rodrigo steps forward asking his friend for his sword, which Don Carlo surrenders. The King rewards Rodrigo with a dukedom. The auto-da-fe begins.

 

Act 3: Scene 1

In his study Philip laments that Elisabeth has never loved him ('Ella giammai m'amo'). The Grand Inquisitor enters. Should Philip put his son to death? God sacrificed his own son replies the Inquisitor. However to the anger of the King, it is Rodrigo who is the true target of the Inquisitiion. Elisabeth enters demanding her missing jewel case, in which the King has found a portrait of Don Carlo. Philip accuses her of adultery. Eboli and Rodrigo enter. Eboli feels remorse towards Elisabeth: not only has she loved Don Carlo but she has also been the King's mistress. Elisabeth gives her the choice of exile or entering a convent. Eboli resolves to try to save Don Carlo ('O don fatale').

 

Scene 2

Don Carlo is in prison, Rodrigo tells him that he will be saved but that he himself will have to die, incriminated by the documents formerly entrusted to him. Shortly afterwards Rodrigo is shot by Inquisition assassins. Dying, Rodrigo tells Don Carlo that Elisabeth will meet him at San Juste the following day. Philip enters, offering his son freedom. Don Carlo repulses him. There is a popular insurrection (instigated by Eboli) in support of the Infante and the populace threaten the King, however they are subdued by the appearance of the Grand Inquisitor.

 

Act 4

At the monastery of San Juste, Elisabeth prays before the tomb of Charles V ('Tu che le vanità'). Her life is at an end but Carlo must fulfill his destiny. Don Carlo appears and they say a final farewell. Philip and the Grand Inquisitor enter: the King will deliver his son to the Inquisition. From the tomb of Charles V, the figure of a monk emerges leading Don Carlo away into the safety of the monastery.

 

Simon Holledge