Talk:Rienzi

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One of Wagner's greatest works, this opera is powerful and inspirational, both in its musical genius, and in the über-Romanticist plot, which Wagner so eloquently conveys, through his masterful use of the German language. (If I may digress: translations of the master's works really don't do them justice...) The opera, as Wagner himself, is often attacked for what happened long after Wagner's death in 1883, namely the rise of Hitler and the Third Reich. Had Wagner lived during the time of the NAZIs, or had they existed when he was alive, he may very well have been one of their strongest supporters, but the fact of the matter is that such was not the case. Whether one likes his politics or not, upon even the most objective analysis of his works, even a radical Zionist would have to admit that Wagner was one of the greatest artists of all time. Heil Wagner!

Why is this the only Wagner opera on Wikipedia without a synopsis on the plot? Please someone write one

...probably due to the undeserved resentment discussed above. at any rate I'd be happy to give a summary. It's been some time since I sat through it from beginning to end. Additionally, I am rushing through the summary. I have other things to do, so I'm sorry for the poor quality and lack of Wagnerian elloquence that actually watching it would yield, but here's my version: After a fantastic overture, the curtain rises in medieval Rome. the steet outside Irene's window is filled with nobleman Orsini's men. They want fair Irene and set a ladder against the window. They take her against her will as rival nobleman Colona arrives. He also seeks Irene, but his son, Adriano, rescues her from the hands of the nobles. Just then, her brotehr, Rienzi, a hero of the people and a man disillusioned with the status of once great Rome, enters. He sees the ladder and understand what had been taking place. He rallies the people against the nobles. The tumult had been ocurring on a street in front of a church. The priest, Raimondo, had begged the sinful nobles to stop, but they had insulted him. Raimondo assures Rienzi that the church will back him in his efforts to free Rome from their tyrrany. Irene tells Rienzi that Adriano had saved her, thus Rienzi entrusts his siter into her newfound lover's care, whilst he prepares to defeat the nobles.

  Rienzi has power but the nobles plot their revenge. Having joined forces, the once warring nobles plan to assassinate Rienzi at the festival he is holding to celebrate his victory. The festival begins with about a 15 min instrumental ballet. The dances symbolize the union of the glory of ancient Rome and modern. Rienzi often speaks of Rome's former glory, which had been stolen by the noble tyrants. Parallels can be seen with Germany, as Hitler saw himself as Rienzi restoring Germania to its former glory. Adriano hears his father plotting against Rienzi, der Tribun, as he wishes to be called. He speaks out against the conspirators, but Colona gets angry with his son, telling him to go serve his precious Tribune. Adriano warns Rienzi of impending danger but is not specific, for he faces much moral dilema (whether to betray his father or his love). Rienzi has armor beneath his toga, so when (I believe) Colonna attacks him with a knife, he is not hurt. The nobles are arrested and about to be executed. Adriano pleads with Rienzi not to make him (Adriano) his father's murderer. Rienzi, reluctantly (and fatefully) shows mercy. Also at the festival, Rienzi's ambition gets the better of him. Not content with just Rome, he wishes to make all of Italy free, and he disputes the rule of the Holy Roman Empire. This angers the Bavarian and Bohemian ambassadors.
  The nobles had sworn allegiance but betray it, and Rienzi prepares to do battle. Adriano again attempts to stop him, but this time with no success. Rienzi comes back victorious. Adriano now swears vengeance. Conspiritors again gather. The cardinal has left Rome. The church has abandoned Rome as long as it is led by brazen Rienzi who has disputed with the church. I'll get back to this later. I'm tired sorry...