Last performed in 2007
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Synopsis
Act I, Scene 1 — Court in the palace of the Duke of Mantua
In the midst of festivities at court, Rigoletto taunts the Duchess with her husband’s infidelities. In private conversation the Duke remarks to Borsa that he has been attracted to a beautiful young girl of the city. The Duke jokes with his court jester about disposing of Count Ceprano, whose wife has also captured the Duke’s fancy. As Ceprano and the courtiers swear revenge on the cruel jester, the old Count Monterone interrupts the festivities to denounce the Duke for dishonoring his daughter. When Rigoletto mocks him, Monterone curses the jester, who recoils in horror, fearful for his own daughter, Gilda, whom he keeps hidden away.
Act I, Scene 2 — A deserted street near the homes of Rigoletto and Count Ceprano
That same evening Rigoletto meets an assassin, Sparafucile, but rejects the offer of his services. Unbeknown to the jester, his daughter has already fallen under the spell of the Duke, for she is the beautiful city girl whom he has been following. The Duke comes to her disguised as Gualtier Maldè, a poor student. Fearing that Rigoletto is returning, he flees. His vindictive courtiers, however, abduct Gilda, believing her to be Rigoletto’s mistress. They pretend that they are seizing the Countess Ceprano for the Duke, and Rigoletto thus unwittingly aids in the abduction of his own daughter.
Act II — An apartment in the Duke’s palace
The following morning the Duke returns to the palace distraught because he has been unable to find Gilda at Rigoletto’s house. His courtiers arrive with the announcement that they have abducted Rigoletto’s mistress. After the Duke exits, Rigoletto himself appears, searching for his daughter. The courtiers bar him from the Duke’s chambers. Gilda emerges and tells her father she loves the Duke. As Rigoletto swears revenge, she entreats his forgiveness.
Act III — A deserted inn by the River Mincio
A month later on a stormy night Rigoletto hires Sparafucile to murder the Duke. Maddalena, the assassin’s sister, pleads for the Duke’s life; her brother thus agrees to kill instead the first person who enters the inn. Gilda overhears the plan and gives her life for the man she yet loves. Her body is delivered in a sack to the triumphant jester, whose revenge turns to agonizing remorse when he opens his awful burden and discovers his dying daughter. Monterone’s curse has therefore come to pass.