Attila is the ninth opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi. Librettists, Temistocle Solera and Francesco Maria Piave used a real, historical story and Zacharias Werner’s play.
There are two main motives in the opera: patriotic and romantic. Attila, the severe king of Huns loses his fighting against Rome and finally he is murdered by the woman he has just married.
The opera received its first performance at Teatro La Fenice in Venice on 17 March 1846.
It was premiered in Georgia at Tbilisi Theatre-Caravanserai, Season 1860-61.
Attila hasn’t been performed in Georgia in 20th century.
Next premiere held on March 21th, 2008. The performance was conducted by Zaza Azmaiparashvili, directed by David Sakvarelidze and Jean-Louis Grinda, designers were Jean-Pierre Capeyron and David Monavardisashvili.
Premiere of revival of Attila held in the State Opera House of Georgia in 2016, 1-3 March and at the 170 year anniversary from the world premiere – March 17
ACT 1
The ruins of Aquileia
Attila, King of the Huns, and his hordes have conquered and ruined the city of Aquileia. Whilst celebrating their victory they are surprised to see a group of captured women, spared as prisoners of war, which includes their leader Odabella, the daughter of the slain Lord of Aquileia. She speaks about the heroism of the Italian women who fought beside their men comparing it with the weeping of the barbarian women who sat in their carriages during the battle. Attila, impressed by her courage, offers a boon and she asks for his sword, with which she intends to avenge the death of her father at Attila’s own hand. The Roman envoy Ezio asks for an audience and proposes a division of the empire: Avrai tu l’universo, Resti l’Italia a me /”You may have the universe, but let Italy remain mine”. Attila angrily rejects the offer and tells him that he would rather raze Rome to the ground.
Rio Alto in the Adriatic lagoons
After a raging storm has passed the refugees from Aquileia disembark from the ships anchored in the lagoon. Their leader, the young noblemen Foresto thinks of the captive Odabella, his fiancée, but then rouses himself and commits himself and his compatriots to founding a new city – the future Venice.
A wood near Attila’s camp, close to Rome
Hoping to find the perfect moment to exact revenge, Odabella has remained in Attila’s camp, which has now moved closer to Rome. Walking alone in a secluded ruin she grieves for her father, and Foresto, who she thinks is dead too. Suddenly, Foresto emerges from the forest. He is confused and upset about her staying within Attila’s camp and reproaches Odabella for abandoning her people. She shows him Attila’s sword and tells him of her intent to exact person al vengeance from Attila, like a biblical Judith. Foresto believes her and the reconciled lovers embrace.
Attila’s tent
Late that night Attila awakens in his tent after having had a terrible dream. He tells Uldino how in the dream he had brought his armies before Rome. Suddenly an old man appeared, stopped him and warned him to turn around and never come back to Rome as he would be powerless within the realm of the Gods. When the sun rises, Attila, shamed by his momentary fear, decides to march into Rome. Suddenly a procession of women and children dressed in white and singing Veni Creator Spiritus approaches Attila’s camp led by the Roman bishop Leone. The bishop repeats the same words Attila heard in his dreams and looking at him Attila recognizes with horror that he is the very same man he saw in his nightmare.
ACT 2
Ezio’s camp
The Emperor Valentinian has ordered Ezio to arrange a truce with the Huns. On his return Ezio laments the lost grandeur of Rome’s military strength. A group of Attila’s slaves appear with an invitation for the Roman general to join Attila in a banquet. He immediately recognizes the disguised Foresto who asks Ezio to aid their common cause. That night Foresto will kill Attila and light a fire as a signal for Ezio to attack the leaderless Huns. Ezio is delighted by the news and promises to watch for the signal and then to act.
Attila’s camp
The Roman officers led by Ezio come with a new proposal of alliance and make their entry into Attila’s festively adorned camp where the feast is in progress. Odabella stands near Attila. The King of the Huns invites his guests to seal their truce. Some Druids whisper to Attila that it will be fatal to dine with the foreigner. While the high priestesses sing a cheerful song, a puff of wind extinguishes the torches. Everybody is afraid. During the ensuing confusion Ezio reminds Attila of his offer of an alliance, which Attila again refuses. Foresto informs Odabella that Uldino will soon offer Attila a poisoned cup. She replies that the barbarian shall die by her own sword. The torches are relit, and Attila calls for his cup. As Uldino offers it Odabella rushes forward and warns Attila that it has been poisoned. Furious, the King demands to know who has poisoned his wine. Foresto admits his guilt but Odabella claims the traitor for herself. Attila grants her request and announces that next day he will marry her. Ezio declares the truce ended and swears to destroy his enemy. Uldino promises Foresto eternal loyalty for saving his life.
The forest
Foresto receives the news about Attila and Odabella’s forthcoming marriage from Uldono. Upset at her apparent betrayal he impatiently awaits the sounds of the wedding ceremony. Odabella, seeing the ghost of her father prays for his forgiveness as she is about to marry his murderer. Uldino comes to Foresto with the news that the ceremony has begun. Foresto orders him to deliver the signal to Ezio and his troops to attack. The Roman leader arrives from the camp, ready for the assault. They hear the wedding hymn beginning in Attila’s camp. Suddenly, Odabella appears who divulges the reasons for her actions, and explains that she still loves only him. Attila, who has pursued his bride, sees her among the enemy and understands her real intentions. The Romans, in the meantime, attack the Huns’ camp. Foresto is about to kill Attila but Odabella intervenes and stabs Attila with his very own sword. The Roman soldiers burst in from all sides proclaiming that God, the people, and the emperor are avenged.