Un ballo in maschera

A large crowd gathers at Ulrica’s to have their futures told. Disguised as a fisherman, Riccardo mingles with the crowd. Ulrica predicts that Silvano, the sailor, will soon be rewarded and promoted – a prophecy that comes true immediately thanks to Riccardo’s secret help. When Amelia visits Ulrica to seek advice, everyone else is sent away. Riccardo stays behind unnoticed and learns that Amelia is desperately trying to overcome her love for him. Ulrica advises her to search outside the city for a certain herb that will help her do so. Riccardo decides to follow her there.

After Amelia leaves, the crowd returns, and Riccardo has his fortune told. Ulrica tells him that he will soon die at the hand of a friend: the first person to extend a hand to him. Riccardo doesn’t take that seriously and offers his hand to those around him, but no one dares to touch it. When Renato appears and shakes his hand, Riccardo removes his disguise and is convinced that the prophecy is false.

Act II

Amelia searches for the herb that is supposed to free her from her feelings for Riccardo. Riccardo, who has followed her, passionately confesses his love to her. Finally, Amelia can no longer hide her feelings either. Suddenly, Renato appears and warns Riccardo of an assassination attempt. Amelia covers her face. Riccardo flees and asks Renato to escort the unknown woman safely back to the city without lifting her veil.

Shortly thereafter, the conspirators Samuel and Tom arrive with their followers and discover that Riccardo has escaped. In the ensuing altercation, Amelia is forced to lift her veil. Amused, the conspirators recognize her as Renato’s wife. Renato swears revenge and invites Samuel and Tom to visit him the next morning.

Act III

Filled with rage, Renato threatens to kill his wife. Amelia protests her innocence and begs to be allowed to see her son one last time. Renato grants her this wish and decides instead to take revenge on Riccardo. When Samuel and Tom appear, it shall be determined who will carry out the murder of Riccardo – Amelia is forced by Renato to draw the lot, which falls to himself. Shortly thereafter, Oscar delivers an invitation to a masquerade ball to be held at Riccardo’s house.

Riccardo has now decided to renounce his love for Amelia and send her to England with Renato. Although he receives an anonymous letter warning him of an assassination attempt, he intends to attend the ball to see Amelia one last time.

At the masquerade ball, Renato learns from Oscar what disguise Riccardo is wearing. Amelia, who has also been looking for Riccardo, urges him to flee immediately, but he refuses. As the lovers say goodbye, Renato mortally wounds Riccardo. The dying Riccardo hands over the letter ordering Renato and Amelia’s transfer to England and affirms Amelia’s innocence. Renato realizes his mistake too late, but Riccardo forgives his murderer.

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