Details

Milan and Como, 1176. Lombard soldiers gather to form an army against the German invaders. Rolando is overjoyed to find his old friend Arrigo, whom he thought dead. Lida, Rolando's wife (who was once betrothed to Arrigo) spurns the attention of Marcovaldo, a German prisoner released by Rolando through he declares his love for her. Rolando and Arrigo arrive. When they are alone together, Arrigo reproaches Lida for her faithlessness. Rolando and Arrigo go to Como to ask the people to join their army. The city has already signed a pact with Barbarossa, the German leader, and Arrigo accuses them of treachery. Barbarossa appears and a furious dispute ensues. Members of the Lombard League swear to drive out the enemy. Marcovaldo shows Rolando a note Lida sent to his friend in which she declares her love for Arrigo. Lida visits Arrigo to say they must part but is surprised there by Rolando. He disowns her and denies Arrigo the honour of fighting for his country. Arrigo has to jump from a window to join the army. The Lombards win their battle, but Arrigo is mortally wounded. When Arrigo swears to Rolando that he and Lida have not betrayed him, the two friends are reconciled and Arrigo dies a hero. Concert performance.

Cast/Performers

Placido Domingo, Veronica Villarroel, Anthony Michaels-Moore

Creatives/Company

Music: Verdi
Conductor: Mark Elder