Nabucco

by Verdi

[This synopsis, like my others, is very, very brief. The reason is that I find the normal programme note much too long, and needlessly detailed and complicated. What I want is more of an overview. If I’ve read an overview – a sort of synopsis of a synopsis – I find that, particularly with the help of surtitles, there is then absolutely no need for a blow-by-blow description of the plot.]

While the Hebrews are still in captivity in Babylon, Abigail, who is a slave girl but thought to be the daughter of Nabucco (aka Nebuchadnezzar), seizes the Babylonian throne.

Nabucco goes mad.

Nabucco’s real daughter, Fenena, has fallen in love with a Hebrew prince, Ismaele, and is condemned to death.

Nabucco converts to a belief in the Hebrew God; recovers from his madness; releases the Hebrews; and frees Fenena.

Abigail commits suicide.