Andrea Chénier, Opera by U. Giordano
Featuring the renowned Teatro dell’Opera di Roma Orchestra and Choir, Andrea Chénier is a four-act historical opera by Umberto Giordano, set to a libretto by Luigi Illica, that lights up the stage of Rome's Teatro Costanzi. The production explores the passion and drama of the opera, which is set in revolutionary France, largely during the period known as the Reign of Terror. Loosely based on the life of the French poet André Chénier, Giordano's compelling music draws out all of the turmoil of the times as old certainties are swept away, while idealism descends into violence and fear.
Andrea Chénier premiered on 28 March 1896 at La Scala in Milan. Today, Giordano is credited with creating one of the finest examples of Italian verismo opera in a work that vividly brings to life the brutality, passion and political upheaval of revolutionary France. Full of high-stakes action and characters based on real figures in the French Revolution, the opera pairs sometimes intimate arias with immense choral sections, expanding its scale to match the events it depicts. Throughout, Illica's libretto keeps the action moving, with touches of romance, intrigue and historical detail that remain as fascinating to audiences today as they were on its debut.
The opera opens with a scene at the Château de Coigny, near Paris, before the revolution in the springtime of 1789. A servant, Carlo Gérard, has fallen in love with Maddalena, the daughter of his aristocratic employer. However, he knows there's no hope of ever being even considered for her as a husband. A ball is being prepared, with most of the upper classes present, seemingly oblivious to the upheaval about to occur. The title character, Chénier, expresses his frustration at the fate of the poor and the social inequality of the times. After a crowd of hungry people arrive, Gérard ushers them inside and, following a confrontation with the lady of the house, leaves her service. The ball continues as though nothing of consequence had occurred.
In the ensuing act, the plot moves on to the Reign of Terror, when suspected enemies of the Revolution are being pursued. Even though Chénier's personal safety depends on fleeing, he stays in Paris because of his love for Maddalena. Gérard, now a powerful figure in the new regime, is drawn into the hunt for members of the aristocracy like Maddalena, while Chénier is being kept under a watchful eye. A struggle ensues in which Gérard and Chénier recognise one another. Will Gérard use his influence in the revolution or try to save Maddalena from the fate faced by so many other aristocrats? As events move towards a life-or-death trial, Giordano's expressiveness comes to the fore in arias such as Gérard's Nemico della patria and Maddalena's La mamma morta.
Andrea Chénier at Rome's Opera House provides drama at every turn with exquisitely orchestrated music from its orchestral introduction to the final curtain.