|
LA VESTALE (The Vestal Virgin) By Saverio Mercadante Tragedia lirica in three
acts Libretto by Salvatore
Cammarano Composed 1839-40 PREMIERE: 10 March 1840.
Teatro San Carlo, Naples Act I In the sacred wood the vestal
virgins are worshipping Vests, the powerful Goddess of Rome, when the High
Priestess makes an exciting announcement: the military hero Decio, previously
thought lost on the battlefield, has won a victory over the Gauls and is on
his way home. Emilia, one of the virgins, who consecrated herself to Vesta
out of despair believing her lover Decio to be dead, is at once delighted and
distraught. The devoted sympathy of her friend Giunia, another vestal virgin,
is of some consolation. Decio himself is dismayed when he discovers his
beloved Emilia is the vestal virgin now offering him the laurel wreath.
Decio’s warrior spirit, however, soon turns his sorrow into rage: he will
defy the Goddess. Publio, sworn friend of Decio — who saved his life in
battle — reminds him of his responsibilities towards his country. Eventually
he decides to help his friend. He will arrange an opportunity for Decio to be
alone with Emilia one more time: he knows of a secret way into the temple of
Vests. Act II In the temple of Vests
Giunia is praying for her friend as the High Priestess solemnly commends
Emilia to her duty of guarding the sacred flame. If the flame were ever
allowed to go out, great woe would befall Rome and she would have to expiate
her crime by death. Decio arrives to find his beloved alone by the altar. The
lovers express their infinite despair and wondrous bliss. Unnoticed, the
sacred flame goes out. Emilia’s horrified reaction attracts the attention of
Publio, standing by as guard, who drags Decio away just before the
authorities arrive. Emilia faints as Metello, the High Priest, assesses the
crime and calls for the Senate formally to try Emilia. Licinio, Consul of
Rome and Decio’s father, pronounces Emilia’s death sentence, a necessary
example to all the other vestal virgins which alone will stop the Goddess
from taking revenge on the whole of Rome. Giunia tries to take the blame upon
herself. But all is in vain: Emilia will not allow her generous friend to go
to her death on her behalf. A trial follows, in which Decio too begs for
mercy on Emilia’s behalf, revealing his part in her transgression. Act III Publio makes a final
attempt to help his friend’s case. Emilia herself has been driven mad by
shame and grief, and believes the gathering witnessing her funereal cortege
to be for her wedding. But when she approaches the entrance to her tomb, she
comes to her senses only to be moved to fresh despair and horror. A touching
farewell to Giunia and the other vestals ensues. As she is buried alive,
Decio and his entourage march against her executioners, but too late. With
nothing left to live for, he turns his weapon against himself. |