Librettist: Temistocle Solera
Based on Attila, König der Hunnen, a play by Zacharias Werner

Cast of Characters

• Attila, (bass) King of the Huns
• Uldino, (tenor) a breton slave of Attila's
• Odabella, (soprano) daughter of the Lord of Aquileia
• Ezio, (baritone) a Roman General
• Foresto, (tenor) a Knight of Aquileia
• Pope Leo I, (bass)
• Captains, Kings and Soldiers of the Huns, Priestesses, Aquileians, Roman Soldiers and populace of Rome.

Setting

Italy in the Fifth Century A. D.

Premiere

17^th March 1846; Venice, Italy

Plot

The opera opens to Attila's army celebrating victory over the city of Aquileia. Praise is raised to Wodan and their general who arrives and takes his seat on the throne. Odabella leads a group of women prisoners in proclaiming their invincible spirit. They fought next to their men unlike Atilla's women. Attila becomes enthralled with her and offers her any gift she desires. She asks for a sword and he gives her his own. She declares that with the sword she shall exact vengeance for all she has lost. Ezio arrives and offers the world to Attila as long as Italy remains his. Attila declares it all shall be his and wages war. During a truce, Attila comes to marry Odabella and finds her in the arms of Foresto and in the company of Ezio. Attila reproaches all three and is stabbed to death by Odabella.

Memorable sections of music

Avrai tu l'universo
Da gli immortail vertici
Te sol quest anima

Copyright © 1996, Stephen L. Parker.