Synopsis for Simon Boccanegra

The opera is set in Genoa at a time when the city was ruled by opposing groups of patricians and plebeians. Against the background of political conflict is the personal enmity between the plebian Simon Boccanegra and the patrician Fiesco. Boccanegra is a famous seafarer who has led successful raids on Genoa’s enemies. He fell in love with Maria, Fiesco’s daughter, and they had a child. Fiesco forbade Maria to marry Boccanegra, who is of lower rank, and imprisoned her in his palace; the baby is being raised by a nurse outside the city. Paolo, a plebeian, plans to exploit Boccanegra’s love for Maria to gain power for himself.

PROLOGUE

Paolo and Pietro are discussing nominations for the plebeian candidate in the coming election of a Doge. Paolo’s choice is Simon Boccanegra. Paolo persuades Boccanegra to stand: if he becomes Doge, Fiesco could no longer refuse him the hand of his daughter Maria. Pietro rallies a crowd of citizens and Paolo persuades them to support Boccanegra. Maria has died, and Fiesco swears vengeance on the man who has destroyed his family. Boccanegra is confronted by Fiesco, who does not tell him of Maria’s death. Boccanegra offers reconciliation but Fiesco says he will only forgive him if Boccanegra returns his granddaughter. Boccanegra is unable to comply and explains that the child has vanished. Boccanegra discovers Maria’s body. At that moment the people hail Boccanegra as their new Doge.

Twenty-five years have elapsed. The Doge has exiled many of his political opponents and confiscated their property. Among them is Fiesco, who has been living in the Grimaldi palace, under the name Andrea, plotting with other nobles to overthrow Boccanegra. Years earlier, the Grimaldi family discovered an orphan being cared for in a convent: with no idea of her real identity—she was the daughter of Maria and Boccanegra—the Grimaldis adopted her. They hoped that by pretending she was their daughter Amelia, who had just died, they would have an heir to their family fortune as their sons had been exiled.

ACT I

Scene 1: Amelia is waiting for her lover, Gabriele Adorno, a nobleman whose father was killed by Boccanegra. She reflects on her own sad childhood as an orphan. Suspecting Adorno of being involved in a political conspiracy against the Doge, Amelia warns him of the possible consequences. An unexpected visit from the Doge is announced. Amelia, who fears the Doge has come to force her to marry Paolo, urges Adorno to ask Fiesco for permission to marry her. Fiesco agrees, telling Adorno of Amelia’s adoption, but Adorno is undeterred.

Boccanegra surprises Amelia by granting a pardon to her exiled “brothers.” She confesses that she loves another and will not marry Paolo. She tells Boccanegra that she was adopted, and Boccanegra realizes that she is his long-lost daughter. They are overjoyed to have found each other again. When Paolo enters, Boccanegra tells him to give up any idea of marrying Amelia. Enraged, Paolo arranges for Amelia to be kidnapped.

Scene 2: In an assembly of patrician and plebian councilors, Boccanegra urges peace between Genoa and Venice. An angry crowd is heard outside, pursuing Adorno and another nobleman through the streets. Boccanegra admits the populace and Adorno accuses him of abducting Amelia. As Adorno attacks the Doge, Amelia rushes in to protect him, without revealing that he is her father. She tells of her capture and indicates that someone else is to blame. Fighting breaks out between the patrician and plebian factions. Boccanegra appeals for calm as Amelia urges Fiesco to end his conspiracy against the Doge. Turning to Paolo, Boccanegra forces him to curse the man responsible for kidnapping Amelia. Paolo curses himself in terror.

ACT II

Scene 1: Paolo sends for Adorno and Fiesco, whom he has arrested for treason, and poisons the Doge’s carafe of water. Paolo urges Fiesco to murder Boccanegra. Fiesco refuses and is taken back to his cell. Paolo, suggesting to Adorno that Amelia has been brought to the Doge’s apartment because she is his mistress, now hopes to incite Adorno to murder Boccanegra. Adorno accuses Amelia of being unfaithful. She cannot fully reassure him, though, without revealing that she is Boccanegra’s daughter. As Boccanegra enters, Adorno hides. When Amelia tells Boccanegra that she would die for her beloved Adorno, Boccanegra agrees to pardon him, even though he is part of the conspiracy. Boccanegra drinks the poisoned water and falls asleep. Adorno is about to murder him when Amelia returns. Boccanegra wakes. He tells Adorno that Amelia is his daughter. Adorno, astounded, begs Amelia’s forgiveness and offers his life to the Doge. Outside, Paolo has incited a rebellion. Boccanegra bids Adorno join his enemies, but Adorno swears allegiance to the Doge. Boccanegra orders him to quell the fighting: if he succeeds, Amelia will be his reward.

Scene 2: The uprising has been put down and Paolo is condemned to death. Paolo tells Fiesco that he has poisoned Boccanegra and that he himself was responsible for Amelia’s abduction. Fiesco is horrified. A chorus for the wedding of Amelia and Adorno is heard as Paolo is taken to his execution. Boccanegra succumbs to the effects of the poison. Fiesco confronts him and Boccanegra recognizes the voice of his old enemy. He is overjoyed that they can now be reconciled and tells Fiesco that Amelia is his granddaughter. Fiesco reveals Paolo’s treachery. Adorno and Amelia arrive from the marriage ceremony to find the old enemies at peace with one another. Boccanegra summons the strength to tell Amelia that Fiesco is not her guardian but her grandfather. As Boccanegra dies, he names Adorno his successor as Doge.