from Act II of the German opera Rienzi by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: A Messenger of Peace

Voice Part: mezzo-soprano       Fach: lyric mezzo

Setting: the Capitol of Rome, Italy, middle of the 14th century

Synopsis: A messenger from a noble family leads a group of other noble youths. He proclaims that the rioting in the countryside is now over and peace surrounds Rome.

from Act III of the German opera Rienzi by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: Adriano, son of Stefano Colonna

Voice Part: mezzo-soprano       Fach: dramatic mezzo

Setting: the front of the Forum in Rome, Italy, middle of the 14th century

Synopsis: Adriano's father and the rest of the Roman noblemen are plotting against Rienzi, the Tribune of Rome, who seeks to return the power of Rome's government to the people. However, Adriano's loyalty is torn because he is also in love with Rienzi's daughter, Irene. He asks God how he can reconcile the differences between his father and Rienzi and hopes that, in the end, all will be resolved.

from Act V of the German opera Rienzi by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: Cola Rienzi, Roman tribune, brother of Irene

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: dramatic tenor/heldentenor

Setting: a hall in the Capitol of Rome, Italy, middle of the 14th century

Synopsis: Rienzi has been excommunicated for leading a force of Roman citizens against the treacherous Roman nobles, prompting everyone to abandon their support of him. On the brink of disaster, Rienzi prays to God that he might be given strength to weather the crisis. He feels that he is doing God's work by empowering the common citizen.

from Act I of the German opera Rienzi by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: Cola Rienzi, Roman tribune, brother of Irene

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: dramatic tenor/heldentenor

Setting: a street in Rome, Italy, middle of the 14th century

Synopsis: Rome is in chaos because of battles between the houses of Colonna and Orsini. Rienzi is able to stop the riot and sends the fighting parties out of Rome to continue their dispute. Afterwards, he encourages the Roman citizens to reinstitute Rome's freedom from tyranny by passionately reminding them of the old tradition of Roman freedom.

from Act V of the German opera Rienzi by Richard Wagner

Libretto: Richard Wagner

Role: Cola Rienzi, Roman tribune, brother of Irene

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: dramatic tenor/heldentenor

Setting: a hall in the Capitol of Rome, Italy, middle of the 14th century

Synopsis: Rienzi has been excommunicated and reviled for attempting to free Rome from the bonds of the tyranny of the nobles. Meanwhile, his sister Irene is in love with one of the nobles. When she implies that he does not understand her because he has never been in love, he replies that he has loved Rome, which is like a woman to him. However, he now sees Rome falling to pieces around him and he is filled with sorrow.