Ever see this opera with or without First Act?
ACT ONE (taken out in 1883 because it was too similar to the older Lucifer taking the younger Eve away from her intended spouse Adam) Elisabeth of Valois, daughter of Henry II of France, meets Don Carlos, son of the Philip II of Spain. The young prince and princess, who have never seen each other before, know their wedding will seal the peace between the two nations. Don Carlos hid in the woods to see the princess pass. When Elisabeth finally arrives, it is love at first sight. The two tease one another happily about their lot and their forthcoming wedding, when the cannon is fired, indicating that the peace treaty has been signed. Shortly afterwards the page boy runs up and kneels in front of Elisabeth, addressing her as Queen of Spain. He explains that the plans have been changed and she will be married to the older king Philip II instead. Amid the general celebration the two youngsters separate, torn apart.
Favorite Answer
The plot is so weird & contrived, even for Italian opera, that it hardly makes any sense, even though some of the music is great. Verdi seems to have thought so too (see reference), since he kept on changing it around. The 4-act version seems to be his final decision on how it should go.
No other Verdi opera exists in so many versions.
Really like the parallel between Phillip and Lucifer. Phillip 2nd stole Adam’s intended wife would be a great YouTube music video because today the shorter the better…
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