Fidelio is Beethoven’s only operatic creation, and it is magnificent. It takes place in Spain where a military regime rules. Florestan, a freedom fighter, has been imprisoned by his enemy, Don Pizarro, in a detainment camp for political prisoners. Don Pizarro plans to starve him to death while rumours circulate that Florestan is already dead. On hearing these frightening rumours, and desperate to save Florestan, his wife Leonore, disguised as a man named Fidelio, succeeds in getting a job working for the jailer Rocco, as a means of finding a way to free him.

Embarrassingly Rocco’s daughter Marzelline is hoping to marry Fidelio, spurning her former sweetheart, Jacquino.When Don Pizarro hears of the impending visit to the prison of his superior, Don Fernando, he decides to murder Florestan, only to discover that Fidelio is shielding the prisoner. In his fury, the frustrated Pizarro attempts to kill them both. However, Leonore suddenly draws a pistol and reveals herself as Florestan’s wife. As she is about to fire the pistol to kill Pizarro, a trumpet fanfare is heard announcing the arrival of Don Fernando, so the panic stricken Pizarro immediately leaves Florestan’s cell. Florestan and Leonore ecstatically contemplate their salvation.

Don Fernando, informed by Rocco of Don Pizarro’s horrific misdeeds, decrees that all prisoners held unjustly are to be released to family and friends. In joy, Leonore removes the chains from Florestan. Marzelline consents to marry Jacquino, as Pizarro is led away to prison. The opera ends with the sensational closing chorus praising married love and the triumph of goodwill and humanity.


Proudly sponsored by