SYNOPSIS

Act One

CD 1 [1] Ouverture

Scene 1: [2] The Count‚ Don Arias‚ and Don Alonzo are discussing the imminent knighthood of Rodrigo‚ a warrior as valiant and noble as his father had been. The courtiers tell Gormas that he too has cause to rejoice‚ as a great honor is about to be bestowed upon him‚ the guardianship of the King’s son and heir. [3–4] Chimene enters and tells her father of her love for Rodrigo and is delighted to receive his blessing for their marriage. Trumpets are heard and the three men leave for the palace for the forthcoming festivities. Chimene is alone for only a moment‚ as she is soon joined by the Infanta of Spain‚ who confesses that she‚ too‚ loves Rodrigo. However‚ she knows that she can never be wed to him‚ as he is not of royal blood‚ and she comforts Chimene by telling her that there is no rivalry between them.

Scene 2: [5–8] The assembled court and populace praise Rodrigo’s heroism. He is led in by the Royal Pages‚ dubbed a Knight of St. James‚ and given a ceremonial sword with which to protect Spain. Briefly his glance meets Chimene’s‚ and his expression of love assures her that her feelings are returned. Rodrigo and most of the guests enter the church to complete the ceremony. [9] The King‚ left alone with Diego‚ Gormas and a few of his friends‚ announces that he has chosen a guardian for the Prince – Don Diego. The Count is enraged and expresses his anger to the King‚ who replies that the royal decision is not subject to question. When Gormas is alone with Diego‚ he insults him and provokes a duel‚ but while Diego was once a feared warrior‚ he is now an old man and is easily disarmed by his adversary‚ who goes off mocking him. Diego‚ feeling that his honor has been insulted‚ wishes for death. [10–11] He has a change of heart‚ however‚ when Rodrigo returns from church. Telling his son that he has been sorely abused‚ he extracts Rodrigo’s promise to avenge the slight with the blood of the perpetrator. Rodrigo swears‚ and only then does he learn that he is to kill the father of his beloved. He wavers momentarily‚ then concedes to filial duty and departs to fulfill his mission.

Act Two

Scene 1: [12–14] Rodrigo goes to the Count’s palace and meets Gormas‚ whom he challenges to a duel. After an exchange of insults‚ the men fight and Gormas is mortally wounded. The noise brings the Count’s servants‚ then a multitude of onlookers‚ and finally Chimene. At the sight of her father’s body‚ she hurls imprecations upon the murderer‚ then wanders among the people studying their faces. When she sees Rodrigo’s agitation‚ she knows instantly and shrieks out. From inside the palace‚ the voices of mourners can be heard singing a Requiem.

Scene 2: [15] At the Royal palace‚ a festive mood prevails.

Ballet [16–18]

CD 2

[1] The court has not yet heard about the death of Gormas‚ and the populace rejoices over the beauties of spring. [2] The mood is suddenly shattered by the arrival of Chimene who demands Rodrigo’s life. Diego explains to the King the events leading to the duel‚ and the court is divided; some feel that Rodrigo acted properly in defending his father’s honor while others insist on primitive justice – a life for a life. In the midst of the quarreling‚ an envoy of the Moorish ruler Boabdil appears with a declaration of war. The Spanish are hopelessly outnumbered and Diego begs the King to allow Rodrigo to lead them into battle. When Rodrigo pledges that he will return for whatever punishment the King deems proper‚ the request is granted.

Act Three

Scene 1: [5–8] Rodrigo comes to Chimene’s chambers to bid her farewell. She confesses that she still loves him but that duty dictates her course of action‚ and he agrees that she has behaved in the only way possible. For a moment she hovers on the brink of forgiveness‚ then regains control of herself and orders him away. When he tells her that he will die in combat‚ she pleads with him to live and says she will pardon him if he saves Spain. Again‚ thoughts of her father intrude‚ and she rushes off‚ confused and ashamed.

Scene 2: [9] In Rodrigo’s camp‚ his officers are drinking‚ singing and being entertained by the dances of Moorish captives. His soldiers‚ however‚ are divided. Defeat seems certain and some would seek retreat; others prefer to die for Spain. Rodrigo appears and tells them that any who care to desert may do so. Some leave‚ the others rest in preparation for the forthcoming battle.

Scene 3: [10–11] Rodrigo is in his tent‚ lost in prayer. A vision of St. James assures him that he will be victorious.

Scene 4: [12] The soldiers assemble on the battlefield. Trumpets herald the start of the attack and Rodrigo‚ flourishing the sword given to him by the King‚ leads his troops. There is general confusion.

Act Four

Scene 1: [13–14] At the Royal palace‚ Don Diego is informed by the deserters that Rodrigo is dead. He berates them for their cowardice and‚ although he is broken-hearted at the loss of his son‚ he is proud that the death was an honorable one. The Infanta tries to comfort him‚ while Chimene‚ deeply saddened‚ is somewhat relieved to rid of her dilemma. His death‚ she says‚ has left her free to love him eternally – no further need for vengeance. She is further relieved that he knew of her true feelings for him.

Scene 2: [15–17] The King enters‚ and a trumpet fanfare proclaims the truth. Rodrigo is alive and victorious. He now arrives with captive Moors and‚ true to his word‚ returns the sword to the King and asks for his punishment. The King‚ in turn‚ tells Chimene that it is for her to decide. Confused‚ she says that it would be beneath her father’s dignity to condemn a great soldier; yet she cannot forgive him. Rodrigo reaches for his dagger‚ as he is unwilling to live with her scorn‚ but she rushes to him and says that he must live. Her love will protect him from the dagger’s blade. The opera ends amid great rejoicing.

BALLET

The ballet occurs in the second scene of Act II which is set in the Square of Burgos. It is spring and a crowd has gathered to watch the dancers. The ballet consists of seven separate numbers based on the various provinces of Spain.

No.1: Castillane
No.2: Andalouse
No.3: Aragonaise
No.4: Aubade
No.5: Catalane
No.6: Madrilène
No.7: Navarraise