ALZIRA

On the Peruvian plain not far from the River Rima (the Río Rímac), a group of Incas led by Otumbo drag the Spanish governor Alvaroin chains. Bound and threatened with death (chorus: “Muoia, muoia coverto d’insulti”), Alvaro prays to God to forgive his tormentors. Suddenly a man approaches in a canoe across the river: it is the Inca warrior Zamoro, whom everyone believed had been killed under Spanish torture. Zamoro immediately orders Alvaro to be released, unwilling to have his return stainedby murder. He urges the Spaniard to report this act of mercy to his countrymen, so that they may see who the true barbarian really is. Alvaro embraces him. But there is no time to lose. Zamoro expresses his hatred for the tyrannical Gusmano (cavatina: “Un Inca, eccesso orribile”) and resolves to rescue Alzira and her father Ataliba, who are prisoners of the conquistadors (cabaletta: “Risorto fra le tenebre”). Alljoin in a battle hymn (chorus: “Dio della guerra”).

In the square of Lima, Spanish troops assemble, discussing rumours that the King of Spain has ordered further conquests in America (chorus: “Giunse or or, da lido ispano”). They then welcome the new governor, Gusmano, introduced by his father Alvaro. As his first act, Gusmano announces his desire for peace between Spaniards and Incas. He demands that Ataliba swear an alliance between the two peoples and reminds him of the pledge promised in exchange for peace, though he does not name it directly. Ataliba understands that he is referring to Alzira’s hand in marriage, but hesitates, explaining that her heart still belongs to another and that the time is not yet right. Gusmano sighs (cavatina: “Eterna la memoria”) and, despite his father’s advice to remain patient, urges Ataliba to obtain Alzira’s consent quickly, for he cannot bear  to possess glory without a woman by his side (cabaletta: “Quanto un mortal può chiedere”). In Ataliba’s apartments, Alzira lies exhausted by grief. Her sister Zuma and the maidens pray for her. Suddenly she awakens, calling Zamoro’s name. He is the man she loves. She recounts a dream in which he rescued her after she had fled from Gusmano in a fragile canoe (cavatina: “Da Gusman, su fragil barca”). Zuma and the women urge her to abandon such dreams and return to reality: Zamoro is dead (cabaletta: “Nell’astro che più fulgido”). Ataliba arrives to press Alzira to marry Gusmano. She rebels: Gusmano is a cruel tyrant who murdered Zamoro, and she will never marry him. Ataliba insists that she must, for Gusmano truly loves her and this marriage is the only way to prevent further bloodshed. As soon as he leaves, Zuma announces that one of the Inca prisoners wishes to speak with her. Alzira agrees and finds herself face to face with a living Zamoro. Overjoyed, they embrace (duet: “Che fia? Qual mai cagion lo tragge”). Their reunion is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Gusmano and Ataliba, followed by Zuma, the maidens and Spanish soldiers. Gusmano orders Zamoro’s execution, despite Ataliba’s protests and Alzira’s tears. The soldiers drag Zamoro away, but at that moment Alvaro enters and recognizes him as the Inca who saved his life. He asks his son to release him, but Gusmano refuses. General anguish follows (finale: “Teco sperai combattere”). The tension is broken by the Spanish captain Ovando, who announces that Inca warriors are advancing to rescue Zamoro. Gusmano then changes his mind. To prove himself worthy of his father, he offers one life in exchange for another: Zamoro’s life, in repayment for the life he saved. Yet Zamoro must not be deceived—their paths will cross again soon.

The battle has ended with yet another Spanish victory, and the soldiers celebrate with a toast (chorus: “Mesci, mesci”). The prisoners are brought in, among them Zamoro. Ovando presents his death sentence to Gusmano, who arrives with Alzira to enjoy the fruits of triumph. Before signing the sentence, Gusmano reads it aloud and makes Alzira understand that her consent to marry him will save Zamoro’s life. Her protests only irritate him further (duet: “Scegli – il pianto… l’angoscia”), and he prepares to sign. Faced with no alternative, Alzirayields and agrees. In a cave, the surviving Incas gather around Otumbo, who brings unexpected news. Thanks to gold—worthless to them yet so coveted by the Europeans—he has bribed a guard, secured Zamoro’s release and obtained a Spanish uniform for him. Zamoro, however, is devastated. He cannot bear the thought of Alzira marrying Gusmano (aria: “Irne lungi ancor dovrei”). Yet now he can act. When Otumbo points out that Alzira will soon belong to Gusmano, Zamoro erupts in fury and resolves to go to Lima and take revenge. In the Governor’s palace in Lima, Alzira’s maidens urge her to cast off her sorrow in anticipation of the wedding (chorus: “Tergi del pianto, America”). Gusmano presents his bride to the assembled crowd (aria: “È dolce la tromba che suona vittoria”), while Alzira longs only to disappear. At that moment a soldier steps forward from the crowd: it is Zamoro in disguise. He stabs Gusmano, achieving his revenge. Remembering his father’s example, Gusmano dies forgiving his murderer (“I Numi tuoi, vendetta atroce”).