Synopsis of Andrea Chénier
ACT I
In the castle of the Countess of Coigny's, the young butler Gérard is decorating
the nursery for a party. The French Revolution is approaching and Gérard is
ruminating about his hatred for his masters; all but one: the young countess
Maddalena whom he's in love with. During the party, the poet Andrea Chénier
is highly criticized by Maddalena because his poems lack of modernity. Chénier
defends his work by expressing his ideals against the corrupted customs of his
age. In the meantime, he urges Maddalena to exalt the feeling of love, so
underestimated in their society. Maddalena, surprised by his words, apologizes.
The party is interrupted by a crowd of poor people introduced by Gérard. The
countess scolds him and he leaves his position and the party, which carries on.
Famous Arias
Son sessant'anni, o vecchio, Gérard's romance
O pastorelle, addio, chorus
Un dì all'azzurro spazio, Chénier's improvviso
ACT II
We are now in Paris at the time of Terror. Chénier is stalked by an incroyable, a
person sent by Gérard, who has now become head of the revolution.
Maddalena, whose mother was killed by the rebels, is forced to hide and live in
poverty. She has written anonymously to Chénier asking for protection.
Unaware of the woman's identity, Chénier asks help to Bersi, a prostitute. To
avoid being captured, he has to run away but he wants to see the mysterious
woman first. He meets her at night near the Peronnet bridge and recognizes
Maddalena immediately. The two fall quickly in love but the stalker has alerted
Gérard who's still in love with Maddalena. The girl runs away but Chévier and
Gérard start a fight and Gérard gets badly wounded. For the love he has for
Maddalena, he suggests Chénier to take her away with him.
Famous Arias
Ecco l'altare, Chénier and Maddalena's duet
ACT III
Gérard is trying to convince people to donate money to the cause because
France is badly in need. An old blind woman, Madelon, offers her only nephew.
The stalker, once alone with Gérard, convinces him to denounce and accuse
Chénier, who has been arrested. Gérard hesitates but in the ends gives in.
Maddalena, shocked, offers herself to him in order to save Chénier and this
moves Gérard so much he decides to save him. During the court hearing, the
poet defends himself from all the accusations and Gérard, feeling guilty,
withdraw the charges. However, it is too late and Chénier is sentenced to
death.
Famous Arias
Nemico della patria?!, Gérard's aria
La mamma morta, Maddalena's aria
Si, fui soldato, Chénier's aria
ACT IV
Andrea Chénier, helped by his friend Roucher, writes his last poems before his
death. Maddalena manages to have a meeting with him thanks to Gérard and a
bribed guard. At sunrise, when the soldiers come to get the prisoners,
Maddalena gives her own permit to another prisoner, Lidia Legrey, and takes
her identity. The two lovers are now united but walking towards death
together, while Gérard cries the imminent loss of his love.
