麻豆约拍

Sicily, 1005 AD: The Saracens have invaded, led by Solamir. An as yet unconquered Syracuse is torn between the Argirio and Orbazzano families. They decide to unite and make common cause against the invaders. To seal the pact of reconciliation between the two families, Argirio offers Orbazzano the hand of his daughter, Amenaide. However, the young woman secretly loves Tancredi, a young nobleman banished from Syracuse at a young age along with his father. Amenaide has written to him, through her friend Isaura, requesting that he comes to meet her and free Syracuse from the Saracens. She has prudently omitted to put Tancredi鈥檚 name on the envelope. Unbeknown to her, Tancredi has already returned incognito and, with the help of his faithful friend Roggiero, is determined to defend his native city against the Saracens and win the hand of his beloved.听

Argirio is determined that the marriage will take place without further ado 鈥� he has learned that Tancredi, whom he believes to be an ally of the Saracens, has arrived in Messina. A solitary Amenaide finds herself in the presence of Tancredi. Spurred on by a desire to save her lover鈥檚 life, she urges him to leave Syracuse without mentioning her reasons or explaining her father鈥檚 marriage plot. While the preparations for the wedding are underway, Tancredi appears in the guise of a knight and offers his help in the defence of Syracuse. When Amenaide sees him she immediately refuses to marry Orbazzano. Furious at such treatment, the latter reveals the letter he has intercepted. He claims Amenaide鈥檚 missive was destined for Solamir. Amenaide cannot reveal the true identity of her correspondent for it would result in a death sentence for Tancredi. She is thus unable to clear her name. Both the people and her lover believe her to be at fault. Accused of high treason, she is thrown in jail and condemned to death

Under pressure from Orbazzano, a desperate Argirio is reluctant to sign his daughter鈥檚 death warrant. Isaura prays for her friend.Alone in her prison cell, Amenaide prepares to meet her fate. Still in disguise and convinced of the young woman鈥檚 guilt, Tancredi wants to defend his honour by provoking a duel with Orbazzano. Tancredi and Argirio embrace, united by the same feelings of pain and hope.Amenaide soon learns of the death of Orbazzano and the victory of Tancredi. She shows her joy and the people celebrate the victory of the unknown hero. However, on her release, Amenaide is unable to convince Tancredi of her innocence. He leaves听to fight the Sarasins in the mountains. Roggiero, who has learned from Isaura that Amenaide is not guilty, calls for peace for his master鈥檚 tormented soul. At the foot of Mount Etna, Tancredi laments his sad fate and the loss of his unfaithful beloved. The knights of Syracuse approach him and ask for his help against Solamir. Argirio and Amenaide who are looking for Tancredi appear but he refuses to listen to them and rejects the young woman. Tancredi leads the Syracusans into battle, promising them victory.

Taken from the programme synopsis from the production at Th茅芒tre des Champs-Elys茅es, Paris.

Translation by Cl铆ona N铆 R铆ord谩in.