Act One:
King Nabucco and his army of Babylonians are defeating the Jews and poised to break through
the gates of Jerusalem. Inside the Temple of Solomon, Zaccaria,
the high priest of the Hebrews, urges his people to trust in God, reminding
them that peace is still possible. The Jews are holding Nabucco's
younger daughter, Fenena, hostage in hopes that Nabucco will promise peace in exchange for her life. Ismaele, nephew to the King of Jerusalem and former envoy to Babylon, enters with his soldiers to announce Nabucco
is close by.
Zaccaria entrusts custody of Fenena
to Ismaele, not knowing that the two are in love. Upon
Zaccaria's departure, Ismaele
urges Fenena to escape. Before she can make a move, Fenena's older sister, Abigaille,
leading a platoon of soldiers, storms in and discovers the lovers. Abigaille is dressed as a warrior and her men are disguised
as Hebrew soldiers. Abigaille, who is also in love
with Ismaele, offers him a deal: return her love and his
people will be spared. If he refuses the offer, Fenena
will be accused of treason. Ismaele refuses the deal
and offers his life in exchange for the safety of his people. Before Abigaille can give an answer, Nabucco
and his men storm the temple. Zaccaria, who has
returned to the temple, tries to stop Nabucco by
threatening to stab Fenena to death. But, Ismaele steps in and returns Fenena
to her father, infuriating the Jews. Nabucco orders
the temple destroyed and leaves. The Jews curse Ismaele
as a traitor.
Act Two:
King Nabucco has appointed Fenena as Regent of Jerusalem, and she
has converted to the Judaism, which prompts the Jews to accept Ismaele back into the city.) Abigaille
has discovered a secret document alleging she is actually a slave, not Nabucco's daughter. The High Priest of Baal and the Magi reveal
to Abigaille that Fenena is
now releasing the Jewish prisoners. Abigaille, the High
Priest and the Magi conspire to seize the throne. An old officer of the king
warns Fenena to flee but there is no time. Abigaille falsely announces that Nabucco
died in battle and she demands the crown from Fenena.
Unexpectedly, Nabucco returns to the palace and claims
the crown. He also proclaims himself a god having overthrown Baal and Jehovah.
When he demands that Zaccaria and Fenena kneel before
him, he is struck by lightning from the God of the Jews, knocking the sense out
of him and the crown off his head. Abigaille picks it
up and puts it on.
Act Three:
In the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the High
Priest of Baal gives Abigaille the death decree for
the Jews. Nabucco wanders into the gardens and tries
to reclaim the throne, though he's lost his mind. Abigaille
dismisses everyone to have a private discussion with Nabucco.
She explains that, as he's not well, she's acting as regent. She then talks him
into signing the decree. In a moment of clarity, Nabucco
realizes he's sealed the fate of Fenena and pleads
for her life. When Abigaille rejects the plea, Nabucco tells her that she is not really his daughter, but
a slave. Abigaille mocks him, destroying the document
that confirms her true origins, and declares herself
the only daughter and heir to the throne. Meanwhile, on the banks of the
Euphrates River, during a short break from forced labor, the Jews reminisce of their
homeland. Zaccaria asks them to have faith that God
will destroy Babylon.
Act Four:
King Nabucco wakes up with his reason restored, but, now, as Abigaille's
prisoner. When he sees Fenena and the Jews being
taken to the sacrificial altar of Baal, Nabucco kneels
and prays to God for forgiveness. He promises to rebuild the Temple of Solomon
and follow the true faith. Realizing Nabucco is back
to his old self, a few loyal soldiers free him from prison to lead a revolt.
They rush to the Hanging Gardens, where Nabucco rescues
Fenena, shatters the idol of Baal and tells the Jews that
they are free. He promises that a new temple will be raised to their God. Abigaille appears, but has just poisoned herself. She asks God
for forgiveness, urges Fenena to marry Ismaele, and dies. Zaccaria acclaims
Nabucco as the servant of God and the King of Kings.
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