Zandonai, Riccardo - I cavalieri di Ekebù

Premiered in Milan on March 7, 1925.

Main Characters:

Berling (Tenor)

Commandante (Mezzo)

Anna (Soprano)

Cristiano (Baritone)

Sintram (Bass)

Set in mythical times in Sweden. The drunkard Berling is offered drink in exchange for his soul by the devil in disguise. He meets the female Commandant of the mines of Ekubu' who trains ne'er-do-wells to become her knights. These knights perform a play with Anna. Berling declares his love for her and they embrace. Her father Sintram is furious and reminds the Commandant of the pact that secured the mines for her stating that one knight a year must go to hell. The Commandant cedes the mines, rather than honour the pact. But her absence sees them fail. She is persuaded to return and she restores the mines and gives them to the knights. Blessing the marriage of Berling to Anna she dies peacefully.

424 pages.