Dèbora e Jaéle

Dèbora e Jaéle (Deborah and Jael) is an opera in three acts by the Italian composer Ildebrando Pizzetti. Pizzetti also wrote the libretto, which is based on the story of Deborah and Jael from the Book of Judges in the Bible. The opera was first performed at La Scala, Milan on 16 December 1922.

Roles

Role Voice type Premiere cast
Conductor: Arturo Toscanini
Dèbora contralto Elvira Mari-Casazza
Jaéle soprano Giulia Tess
Mara mezzo-soprano Anna Gramegna
Azriél tenor Alfredo Tedeschi
Scillèm tenor Luigi Cilla
King Sisera tenor John Sample
Piràm/shepherd tenor Aristide Baracchi
Jàfìa tenor Giuseppe Nessi
A slave tenor Guido Uxa
Jèsser baritone Osvaldo Pellegrini
Hèver bass Umberto Di Lelio
Baràk bass Vincenzo Cassia
Blind man of Kinnèreth bass Ezio Pinza
Nabì/Adonisédék bass Giovanni Azzimonti
Talmài bass Amleto Galli

Synopsis

Act One

The Israelite prophetess Deborah preaches war against the Canaanite king Sisera. Sisera is hiding within the walls of an impregnable fortress. Knowing the king is in love with Jael, she sends the latter, accompanied by Mara, to lure him out.

Act Two

Jael is brought into the king's presence and attempts to kill him. But she falls in love with Sisera and he pardons her. Mara sings of the son she has lost at the hands of the Canaanites and stirs Jael's conscience. Sisera allows Jael to leave the fortress, promising to meet her again after he has defeated the Israelites.

Act Three

The Israelites defeat the Canaanites in battle and Sisera seeks refuge in Jael's tent. Deborah demands that he be handed over but Jael refuses. But, as an Israelite mob approaches, Jael kills Sisera in his sleep to save him from a worse death.

Sources