Schubert Opera Alfonso and Estrella
Plot Synopsis and Character Roles of an Austrian Romantic Opera
Oct 10, 2007
Alfonso und Estrella (Alfonso and Estrella), a romantic opera composed by Austrian composer Franz Schubert, was never performed during his time. Franz Liszt drew the public's attention to this opera when it was premiered 26 years after Schubert's death.
- Composer: Franz Schubert (1797-1828).
- Librettist: Franz von Schober
- Language: German
- First Performance: Weimar, Hoftheater, June 24, 1854
- Setting: Northern Spain in legendary times
- Romantic Opera in Three Acts
Franz Schubert, the greatest romantic melodist of all-time, was also the most important exponent of the lied (German song). His achievements in opera was only discovered until the end of the 20th-century.
Alfonso and Estrella is a simple love story, but instead of the typical dramatic obsessive passions, Schubert approached this opera in a gentler tone in his poignant and beautiful music.
Cast of Characters
- Troila, Deposed king of Leon (baritone)
- Alfonso, Troila's son (tenor)
- King Mauregato of Leon (baritone)
- Estrella, daughter of King Mauregato (soprano)
- Adolfo, General (bass)
Plot Synopsis of Opera Alfonso and Estrella
Act 1
Scene 1. In a valley before Troila's house
Troila spends his life being kind and generous to the people in the valley he lives. The peasants express their gratitude to this kindly man. What they do not know is Troila was king of Leon, overthrown by Mauregato his minister, and banished in the valley. Alfonso, Troila's son, is bored and restless being confined in the valley. Troila tells him to be patient and gives him a golden chain, the sacred Chain of Eurich, for protection.
Scene 2. A room in the palace of King Mauregato
In the palace of Mauregato, the king is having some problems. After the king's victory over his enemies, he promised Adolfo, his general to ask anything he wishes and it will be granted. He wants the hand of Princess Estrella who rejects him. Adolfo seeks Mauregato's help but the king refuses to help saying that only the man who returns the Chain of Eurich to him can marry the princess. Adolfo was angered and wants a battle with Mauregato.
Act 2
Scene 1. Woods on a mountain
Estrella flees to the woods and gets lost. She meets Alfonso. They fall in love and Alfonso gives the princess the Chain of Eurich.
Scene 2. Near the city gate
Adolfo raises his group of conspirators to overthrow King Mauregato.
Scene 3. The room in the palace
King Mauregato is worried about Princess Estrella, who eventually returns. When Adolfo's revolt begins, Mauregato advises his supporters to flee, but they decided to stand by Mauregato, and fight Adolfo.
Act 3
In the Woods
Mauregato's men are put to fight. Adolfo finds Estella in the woods and threatens to kill her if she does not marry him. Alfonso and his huntsmen rescue Estrella and rallies King Mauregato's forces, leading a counterattack against Adolfo. Alfonso defeats Adolfo. Mauregato, who has fled into the woods, is overcome with guilt for usurping Troila's throne, but Troila forgives him. Mauregato gives Princess Estrella's hand to Alfonso. Alfonso is named by Mauregato and Troila the king of Leon.
Schubert's Operas
- Alfonso and Estrella
- Fierrabras
Sources:
Da Capo Opera Manual, Nicholas Ivor Martin, Da Capo Press (1997)
Opera, András Batta, Editor-in-Chief. Könemann (2000)
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