Fidelio

Fidelio is an opera in two acts by Ludwig van Beethoven. It is Beethoven's only opera. The German libretto is by Joseph Sonnleithner from the French of Jean-Nicolas Bouilly. The opera tells how Leonore, disguised as a prison guard named "Fidelio," rescues her husband Florestan from death in a political prison.

Characters and scoring

• Don Fernando, Minister (Baritone)
• Don Pizarro, Governor of a state prison (Baritone)
• Don Florestan, a prisoner (Tenor)
• Leonore, Florestan's wife disguised as the boy Fidelio (Soprano)
• Rocco, jailer (Bass)
• Marzelline, Rocco's daughter (Soprano)
• Jaquino, doorman (Tenor)
• First prisoner (Tenor)
• Second prisoner (Bass)
• Chorus of watchmen, prisoners, and townsfolk

The orchestra performing with these singers consists of a piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon, 4 French horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, timpani, and the usual string section consisting of first and second violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. There are also parts for trumpets played on the stage.

Related Topics:
Piccolo - Flute - Oboe - Clarinet - Bassoon - Contrabassoon - French horn - Trumpet - Trombone - Timpani - Violin - Viola - Cello - Double bass

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