Nabucco, the third opera by Giuseppe Verdi, brought the composer his first success. This historical opera fresco is a fusion of history and fiction, and its success relies mainly on its impressive crowd scenes and choral performances. The Babylonians, led by King Nabucco, invaded Jerusalem, destroyed Solomon's Temple, and took the Jewish people captive. However, the God of the Jews, Jehovah, punishes the king by inflicting madness on him. Nabucco, who must also face the intrigues of his presumed daughter Abigail, finally recognises his culpability, acknowledges the power and majesty of God Jehovah, and restores freedom to the Jews. The well-known Jewish Chorus became an actualised symbol of the Italians' desire for freedom and independence at the time of the opera’s composition.

 

Artistic co-production with the National Theatre Prague.