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Les vêpres siciliennes
Giuseppe Verdi 1813 1901
I
Palermo, late thirteenth century. The occupying French troops sing the praises of the governor, Guy de Montfort. The locals greet the Sicilian duchess Hélène respectfully. She is mourning her brother Frédéric, who has been executed on Montfort’s orders; the governor is holding her hostage. The French officers are struck by Hélène’s beauty, and they order her to sing a Sicilian song for them. She consents, taking the opportunity to incite a Sicilian rebellion. Just as they are about to rush at the French, Montfort appears and quells the uprising with no more than a wave of the hand. Henri, a young Sicilian, has been released from prison, but he does not know why. He has lost contact with his mother and believes his father has died in exile. Henri is in love with Hélène; Montfort warns him to stay out of her way, but Henri refuses to make this pledge.
II
Jean Procida, the leader of the resistance, returns from exile, where he has tried to win the support of the Spanish and the Byzantines. They will only aid the patriots if the people themselves rebel. Henri offers his most worthy resources for the struggle. Hélène promises that if he avenges her brother, she will be his. Montfort invites Henri to a ball, but he indignantly refuses, and is promptly arrested. Procida convinces the French to abduct a number of young local women during the ball – a scheme he hopes will rouse the apathetic Sicilians. He then calls on his folk to take revenge: Montfort must die.
III
In his study, Montfort reflects on the Sicilian woman he once abducted and with whom he had a child. She escaped with the baby, but now, eighteen years later, Montfort receives a letter from her: he must spare Henri’s life, for this is his son! The governor gives the order that Henri is to be treated with respect, and summons him. The revelation makes both men deeply unhappy.
During the ball, Hélène and Procida discuss with Henri their plans to assassinate Montfort, but Henri feels it is his duty to warn Montfort of the plot. He steps in as Hélène and Procida prepare to make their move, and the conspirators are arrested.
IV
Henri has been given permission to visit the prisoners. Hélène has nothing but contempt for his treachery, until he reveals that Montfort is his father. The couple reconciles. Procida tells that the Spanish have arrived to aid the Sicilians. Then Montfort announces that the prisoners are to be executed forthwith. Henri begs for their amnesty; Montfort is prepared to acquiesce if Henri will address him as ‘father’. He does so, and the captives are released.
V
The wedding of Hélène and Henri is about to be celebrated. What Henri does not know, however, is that the ringing of the church bells will be the rebels’ signal to attack the unsuspecting French. Hélène’s only option is to refuse to go through with the ceremony and prevent a bloodbath. Montfort, unaware of the plot, insists on continuing. As the bells toll, the Sicilians surge at Montfort and the French troops.
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