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Experience Guiseppe Verdi's Nabucco: A Monumental Opera of Ancient History and Human Struggle

This dramatic opera explores themes of power, betrayal, and freedom through powerful choruses and arias.

Immerse yourself in Giuseppe Verdi's celebrated opera, Nabucco, a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of ancient Babylon. Originally premiered in 1842, this production features the iconic "Va, pensiero" chorus and explores profound human emotions. Discover the enduring legacy of Verdi's third opera, known for its masterful musical storytelling and dramatic intensity.

About Nabucco at Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock in Prague

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Nabucco at Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock in Prague

Exhibition summary

Nabucco is an opera by Giuseppe Verdi, depicting the dramatic story of the Israelites' subjugation by King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. It features phenomenal chorus scenes, impassioned arias, and topical themes of power, betrayal, and freedom.

Curatorial context

Nabucco, one of Giuseppe Verdi's most celebrated works, delves into the dramatic story of the Israelites' subjugation by the King of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar II. While inspired by historical events like the destruction of the Temple of Solomon in 587 BC, the opera fictionalizes Nabucco's conversion to Judaism and the liberation of the Hebrews, along with complex family relationships and rivalries. This libretto allowed Verdi to fully showcase his musical talents, leading to the opera's immense success at its 1842 premiere at La Scala. The work is renowned for its powerful chorus scenes, virtuoso arias, and perennially relevant themes of war, power, betrayal, life, and death. The opera's best-known piece is the chorus "Va, pensiero, sull‘ali dorate" ("Fly, thought, on wings of gold"), which conveys the Hebrew exiles' yearning for freedom. With an approximate running time of 2 hours and 30 minutes including one 20-minute intermission, Nabucco is performed in Italian with surtitles available in Czech and English. The premiere of this production was on February 15, 2024.

Admission and ticket notes

Tickets can be purchased through the provided link to the National Theatre. Surtitles are available in Czech and English during the performance. The approximate running time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission of 20 minutes.

Nabucco key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Nabucco at Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock in Prague

Venue
Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Feb 15, 2024
Artist line / attribution
Guiseppe Verdi (composer)
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