Golem
In sixteenth-century Prague, Rabbi Lőw creates a living Golem from clay. The Golem falls in love with the rabbi’s granddaughter Anna, and his touch and kiss infect her with a fatal illness. The rabbi destroys the Golem to save Anna.
Operas
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The elderly Maharal recalls creating a golem in his youth. He forms Olem from riverbank clay and teaches him simple tasks; Olem then encounters Miriam and experiences desire, angering the Maharal. Olem and Ometh imagine joining forces to root out evil, but the Maharal distrusts Ometh. When townsman Stoikus becomes uncontrollable while awaiting a saviour, Olem kills him. The Maharal sees the body and realizes what Olem has done.
Goplana
The nymph Goplana interferes in human affairs, setting in motion the brutal fate of the sisters Balladyna and Alina.
Gormenghast
In Gormenghast Castle, the ambitious former kitchen boy Steerpike rises toward domination of the castle and its aristocratic inhabitants.
Goyescas
At a gathering outside a church, Paquiro flirts with the women before Rosario arrives to meet her lover, Fernando. Paquiro invites Rosario to a ball, and Fernando, suspecting her of flirting, insists on accompanying her. At the ball, Paquiro asks Rosario to dance, and Fernando insults him. Paquiro challenges Fernando to a duel. Later, in a palace garden, Fernando and Rosario share a tender moment, but Paquiro appears and Fernando leaves to fight. The duel ends with Fernando mortally wounded; Rosario holds him as he dies.
Graf Cagliostro
A contemporary comic opera adaptation of Alexei Nikolayevich Tolstoy’s tale about Cagliostro.
Great Scott
A full-length opera by Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally, commissioned by Dallas Opera and premiered in Dallas in 2015.
Greek
A retelling of Oedipus Rex set in London’s East End in the 1980s.
Grete Minde
The opera’s plot concerns Margarete von Minden, who set fire to the town of Tangermünde in 1619. It is based on Theodor Fontane’s novella.
Griffelkin
On his tenth birthday, the young devil Griffelkin is sent to earth to cause mischief. He animates objects, but when he learns that a girl’s mother has died, he uses his last magic potion to revive her. Hell condemns him for his compassion and turns him into a human boy, whom the girl’s family welcomes.
Griselda
King Gualtiero’s marriage to the shepherdess Griselda provokes rebellion. He secretly sent their daughter Costanza to be raised by Prince Corrado and now plans to marry her, though she loves Roberto and does not know her parentage. Gualtiero dismisses Griselda, who returns to the countryside. Ottone pursues and tries to kidnap her, but Gualtiero stops him and brings Griselda back as Costanza’s slave. When Griselda refuses Ottone and proves her faithfulness, Gualtiero takes her back as his wife, reveals Costanza’s identity, and allows her to marry Roberto.
Griselda
King Gualtiero married the poor shepherdess Griselda, but the marriage was unpopular. When their daughter Costanza was born, he secretly sent her to be raised by Prince Corrado. Facing rebellion, Gualtiero renounces Griselda and plans to marry Costanza, who loves Corrado’s brother Roberto. Griselda returns to the countryside, where courtier Ottone pursues her. Gualtiero rescues her from Ottone’s kidnapping attempt and brings her back as Costanza’s slave. Griselda remains faithful, and Gualtiero restores her as his wife, reveals Costanza’s parentage, and allows her to marry Roberto.
Griselda
King Gualtiero tests Griselda’s virtue, banishing her and claiming their daughter was killed. He plans to marry Almirena, unaware she is their daughter and in love with Ernesto. Back at her cottage, Griselda rejects the nobleman Rambaldo, who threatens her infant son. She flees to the palace and serves Almirena. Gualtiero’s final test is to order Griselda to marry Rambaldo; she refuses. The king reveals his motives, restores her as queen, and allows Almirena and Ernesto to reunite. Rambaldo is forgiven for fomenting rebellion to win Griselda.
Griselda
King Gualtiero’s marriage to the shepherdess Griselda has provoked rebellion. When their daughter Costanza was born, he secretly sent her away and pretended she had died; now he plans to marry Costanza, who is unaware of her parentage and loves Roberto. Gualtiero dismisses Griselda, who returns to her cottage. Courtier Ottone pursues her and tries to abduct her, but Gualtiero stops him and brings Griselda back as Costanza’s slave. After Griselda refuses Ottone and proves her virtue, Gualtiero takes her back as his wife, reveals Costanza’s identity, pardons Ottone, and allows Costanza to marry Roberto.
Grisélidis
The Marquis marries Grisélidis, leaving her former suitor Alain heartbroken. As he departs on Crusade, the Devil wagers that he can make Grisélidis unfaithful. Disguised, he presents the Marquis’s ring as proof of rejection, conjures a garden to tempt her with Alain, and steals her son Loÿs. On returning, the Marquis recognizes the Devil’s deception and reunites with his wife; the child is restored.
Grounded
F-16 pilot Jess falls in love with rancher Eric, becomes pregnant and is grounded from flying. After their daughter Sam is born, Jess returns to military service as a remote drone operator near Las Vegas. The work begins to fracture her sense of home and combat; when a target appears with a child, Jess sees Sam and deliberately crashes her drone, but a backup pilot carries out the strike. She is court-martialed and imprisoned.
Guatimotzin
A musical episode about the doomed defense of Mexico by its last Aztec emperor, Cuauhtémoc.
Guercœur
After dying in battle, Guercœur asks to return from Heaven to save his city. He finds his friend Heurtal planning to rule despotically after marrying Guercœur’s widow, Giselle. The people reject Guercœur’s warnings against corruption and murder him. Disillusioned, he returns to Heaven, where the Goddess of Truth assures him that humanity has a great age ahead.
Guglielmo Ratcliff
After rejecting Guglielmo Ratcliff, Maria is pursued by a succession of violent tragedies: Ratcliff challenges and kills her earlier suitors, then duels her betrothed, Count Douglas. A family revelation about Maria’s mother and Ratcliff’s father prompts Ratcliff to plead with Maria to flee. When she refuses, he kills her and her father, then dies by suicide.
Guido et Ginevra
Ginevra is promised to the Duke of Ferrara, but a poisoned veil leaves her in a deathlike trance and she is buried. She awakens in the Medici vault, finds shelter with sculptor Guido, and is reunited with her father, who agrees to their marriage.
Guillaume Tell
A three-act French opéra comique about Swiss patriots led by Guillaume Tell resisting the oppressive Austrian governor Guesler in the thirteenth century. A fuller plot is not provided.
Guillaume Tell
In Austrian-occupied Switzerland, William Tell helps shepherd Leuthold escape the governor’s soldiers, and the arrest of Melchthal pushes Arnold to join a planned uprising. Tell, Arnold, and Walter unite the three cantons in rebellion. Governor Gesler forces Tell to shoot an apple from his son Jemmy’s head, then orders Tell transported across the stormy lake. Tell escapes, kills Gesler, and learns that Arnold and the rebels have captured Altdorf. Arnold and Mathilde reunite as the Swiss celebrate their freedom.
Guntram
In medieval Germany, the minstrel Guntram becomes entangled with Freihild, the saintly wife of the evil Duke Robert, in a story of love and redemption.
Gustaf Adolf och Ebba Brahe
A Swedish-language opera by Georg Joseph Vogler to a libretto by Johan Henric Kellgren. No plot description or premiere information is available in the reviewed text.
Gustave III, ou Le bal masqué
A five-act historical opera about the assassination of Gustav III, King of Sweden. The source gives no fuller account of its plot.
Gustavo III
King Gustavo III’s secretary and confidant Anckarström is married to Amelia, with whom Gustavo is in love. The conspiracy against the king culminates in his assassination at a masked ball.
Gustavo primo, re di Svezia
Gustav escapes imprisonment in Denmark and hides in Dalarna, where he becomes a leader in the struggle against Danish rule and is elected king. In disguise as Learco, he becomes entangled with Ergilda and Dorisbe, later revealed as his cousin Clotilde.
Gwendoline
When Danish raiders attack a Saxon village, Gwendoline pleads with their leader Harald to spare her father, Armel. She and Harald fall in love and marry, but Armel plots revenge; as the Danes are attacked, Harald is killed and Gwendoline takes her own life beside him.
Gypsy Love
Zorika, daughter of a Romanian landowner, is engaged to the nobleman Jonel but is drawn to his half-brother Joszi, a violinist. She plans to elope with Joszi and falls asleep by the Cerna River, where a dream shows her traveling with the Romani and discovering that Joszi will not marry her. Waking beside the river, she recognizes that her true love is Jonel.
Götterdämmerung
Hagen manipulates Siegfried and the Gibichungs to gain the cursed ring. A potion makes Siegfried forget Brünnhilde, and he helps Gunther claim her; Brünnhilde later joins Hagen and Gunther in plotting against him. Hagen kills Siegfried, then kills Gunther while fighting for the ring. Brünnhilde recognizes Siegfried’s innocence, returns the ring to the Rhine, and rides into his funeral pyre. The fire destroys the Gibichung hall and Valhalla; the Rhinemaidens reclaim the ring and drown Hagen.
Günther von Schwarzburg
During the German succession crisis of 1347–1349, Count Günther and Karl, King of Bohemia, vie to succeed Ludwig the Bavarian as Holy Roman Emperor. Günther is supported by Rudolf, while Asberta intrigues for her son Karl by manipulating Rudolf’s daughter Anna. Asberta poisons Günther and then kills herself; Karl secures the throne and marries Anna.
Gılgameş
A three-act, twelve-scene Turkish opera based on the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Gılgamış
A Turkish-language opera by Nevit Kodallı related to the Epic of Gilgamesh and to the 1954 play Gods and Men.
H.M.S. Pinafore
Aboard HMS Pinafore, Captain Corcoran’s daughter Josephine loves Ralph Rackstraw, a lower-class sailor, while her father intends her to marry Sir Joseph Porter. Ralph and Josephine plan to elope, but Dick Deadeye reveals their plan. Little Buttercup then discloses that she accidentally switched two babies years earlier: Ralph is the Captain’s child, and Corcoran was born to a lower rank. Their identities and ranks are exchanged, allowing Ralph and Josephine to marry; Corcoran marries Buttercup, and Sir Joseph settles for Cousin Hebe.
Haddon Hall
Set around 1660, Dorothy Vernon is expected to marry her cousin Rupert, but loves Royalist John Manners. After her father refuses their match, Dorothy and Manners elope. Following the Restoration, the king returns Haddon Hall to Sir George Vernon; Manners brings Dorothy back as his wife, and her father forgives her.
Hafez
A puppet opera about the Persian poet Hafez and efforts to preserve his writings from the Persian government.
Hagith
The aged King David is told that a young woman’s love may restore his health. His son has just been crowned against his wishes. Hagith and the young king declare their love, but she refuses to sacrifice herself for David and tells him she hates him; he dies in anger. Hagith is accused of killing him and sentenced to death, and the new king cannot save her.
Halka
Halka, a highlander girl, loves the nobleman Janusz, who promised to marry her but is now engaged to Zofia. Jontek shows Halka the truth, and she returns to her village pregnant and consumed by grief. On Janusz and Zofia’s wedding day, Halka considers burning the church but lets Janusz live and throws herself into the river.
Hamlet
Hamlet learns from his father’s ghost that Claudius murdered the king and seeks to expose the crime. His rejection of Ophélie drives her to madness and death; after a duel with Laërte, Hamlet kills Claudius and is proclaimed king, surviving in the standard ending.
Hamlet
In this adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy, Prince Hamlet confronts the ghost of his father, the court of King Claudius, and the consequences of his response to his father’s death. Dean and Jocelyn draw on the play and its first quarto, reshaping portions of the text for the opera.
Hans Heiling
The underworld prince Hans Heiling leaves his realm to marry the mortal Anna, but she falls in love with Konrad. Heiling regains power and seeks revenge at their wedding, until his mother persuades him to reconcile and return with her to the underworld.
Harold, or the Norman Conquest
Outlawed Harold secretly loves Edith, but is taken to Normandy by Duke William, who deceives him into swearing to support his claim to the English crown. When King Edward dies, Archbishop Stigand frees Harold from the oath because William lied; Harold accepts the crown but loses Edith, who has taken religious vows. At Hastings, Harold is killed in battle. One ending has William claim the throne and order Harold buried as a soldier; an alternate ending stops with Edith grieving over his body.
Haroun and the Sea of Stories
Haroun’s father Rashid, a storyteller, loses his ability after his wife leaves. Haroun journeys through a fantastic world to help Rashid regain his gift, opposing Khattam-Shud and the politician Snooty Buttoo, who seek to end storytelling and control the world.
Harriet, the Woman Called Moses
After escaping slavery, Harriet Tubman is sheltered by abolitionist Thomas Garrett but dreams of those left behind. She returns south to guide enslaved people to freedom, ultimately rescuing her family and reuniting with Josiah. As they flee to Canada, slave owner Preston shoots at Harriet but kills Josiah.
Harvey Milk
A biographical opera about activist and politician Harvey Milk, whose political work and assassination with San Francisco mayor George Moscone in 1978 form the subject.
Haste to the Wedding
On his wedding day, Woodpecker Tapping must find a replacement for a straw hat his horse damaged, while keeping the bride’s family from discovering other women in his house. His search leads to mistaken identities at a milliner’s, a concert, and a general’s home, and causes the wedding party to be arrested. The matching hat turns up among the wedding presents, and the couple and their companions are reconciled.
Haydée, ou Le secret
Venetian admiral Lorédan lives with guilt over having cheated the senator Donato at dice, causing the senator’s death. His slave Haydée loves him and agrees to marry Malipieri when he threatens to reveal Lorédan’s secret, but a messenger reveals that Andrea, who has captured a Turkish ship, is Donato’s son and has killed Malipieri in a duel. Lorédan and Andrea reconcile; Lorédan marries Haydée, Andrea marries Rafaela, and Lorédan becomes Doge of Venice.
He Who Gets Slapped
A mysterious intellectual joins a French circus as a clown and falls in love with Consuelo, who loves the jockey Begano. Pantaloon disrupts plans to marry Consuelo to Count Mancini, but when he confesses his love, she rejects him and leaves with Begano.
Heart Chamber
An English-language two-act music-theatre opera for five vocalists, five instrumental soloists, choir, orchestra, and electronics.
Heart of Darkness
Marlow recalls a voyage into Central Africa to find Kurtz, an ivory trader whose remote station has become violent and lawless. As the steamboat travels upriver, Marlow learns about Kurtz’s growing power and the Company’s attempts to reach him. Kurtz returns downriver with Marlow but dies on the journey. Back in London, Marlow gives Kurtz’s fiancée his letter and hides the truth of his final words.
Hedy
A four-act Czech-language opera based on Lord Byron’s poem Don Juan.
Helen Retires
After Menelaus’s death, Helen descends to the underworld to find Achilles. They return to the living world, but an old fisherman persuades Helen that love cannot last, and she sends Achilles back to Hades; a young fisherman then convinces her to try love again.
Hellé
Neptune, disguised as Arsame, courts the Colchian princess Hellé, while her guardian Ino also loves him. Ino and the magician Elphingor disrupt the wedding by making Hellé believe Arsame has betrayed her; she flees by ship, which Elphingor wrecks in a storm. Neptune discovers Ino’s role and reveals himself; Ino kills herself. He brings Hellé to his underwater palace and makes her ruler of the sea named the Hellespont after her.
Help, Help, the Globolinks!
Alien creatures called Globolinks invade Earth and threaten children returning from vacation. Music repels them, so Emily ventures through the forest with her violin while a music teacher leads the other children and teachers to safety. The dean is touched and begins transforming into a Globolink, but learns to sing one note to hold them back before joining the creatures.
Helvellyn
On a Lake District farm, the orphan Hannah and foundling Martin fall in love amid the household’s rivalries. Luke, seeking the estate and revenge, stirs suspicion between Hannah, Martin and the widowed Mabel. Hannah discovers Luke caused the fire that killed her father; he falls to his death during a storm, her father’s name is cleared, and Hannah and Martin are united.
Henrico Leone
A three-act opera based on the life of the German prince Henry the Lion.
Henry Clifford
A three-act grand opera set in 15th-century England during the Wars of the Roses and based on historical figures and events surrounding Henry Clifford, 10th Baron Clifford.
Henry VIII
The opera depicts Henry VIII’s attempt to divorce Catherine of Aragon so that he can marry Anne Boleyn, a move opposed by the Church. Its libretto is based on Calderón’s play El cisma en Inglaterra.
Herculanum
At Herculaneum in 79 AD, Queen Olympia desires Christian Hélios, while her brother Nicanor pursues Lilia. Satan deceives Lilia with a vision of Hélios and Olympia together. Hélios agrees to marry Olympia to save Lilia, but as Vesuvius erupts Satan reveals himself and the city is destroyed.
Hercule mourant
Hercules returns from his labors with captives, and his son Hyllus falls in love with Iole. Believing Hercules intends to leave her for Iole, Deianira sends him a robe dipped in the blood of the dying centaur Nessus. The robe burns and poisons Hercules; Deianira dies by suicide, and Hercules asks Hyllus to marry Iole and light his funeral pyre. Jupiter’s lightning ignites it, and Hercules ascends to heaven.
Hermione
Four-act opera by Max Bruch based on Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale.
Het Rattenkasteel
De Smet and Sierens adapted Marc Sleen's comic-book album Het Rattenkasteel, from The Adventures of Nero, as a short avant-garde comic opera. Its arias pastiche film music, schlager, rock, and traditional African music.
Het pand der goden
When Haika Marghanold prefers an adopted boy born the same day as his daughter, the gods curse the girl with irresistible beauty, and she disappears during a storm. Her father dies in grief, leaving his wife and their son Olindo isolated. Years later Olindo travels north to find his lost sister, survives a shipwreck, and undertakes penance before eventually finding her.
Highway 1, USA
Bob and Mary have sacrificed to educate Bob’s younger brother Nate, expecting him to build an independent life. A year after graduation, Nate remains idle and makes advances toward Mary; she rebukes him, and he stabs her. Bob initially takes the blame to shield Nate, but Mary survives and identifies the attacker.
Hin und zurück
Robert comes home unexpectedly and discovers that his wife Helene has received a letter from a lover. In a jealous rage he shoots her, and then jumps from the window. A wise man deplores the tragedy and turns time backward; the text and music replay in reverse order, restoring the scene to before the murder and ending happily.
Hipermestra
An opera based on the ancient myth of Hypermnestra, whose story later also inspired Metastasio's distinct libretto Ipermestra.
Hippodamie
A tragédie en musique in a prologue and five acts concerning the Greek legend of Hippodamia, based on a dialogue by Lucian of Samosata.
Hippolyte et Aricie
Hippolyte and Aricie love each other, but Aricie is held captive by Theseus and forbidden to marry. When Theseus journeys to the Underworld, Phaedra reveals her desire for her stepson Hippolyte, who rejects her. On his unexpected return, Theseus believes Phaedra’s false accusation and asks Neptune to punish Hippolyte. A sea monster appears to kill him, and Phaedra dies by suicide. Diana later reveals Hippolyte alive and reunites him with Aricie, while Theseus is left unable to see his son again.
His Excellency
In Elsinore, the governor Griffenfeld’s practical jokes anger the townspeople and damage his daughters’ romantic prospects. The Prince Regent arrives in disguise and joins one of Griffenfeld’s schemes, pretending to issue false honors. When Griffenfeld reveals the supposed visit as a joke, the Regent exposes himself as real and makes the honors permanent, while confirming Griffenfeld’s demotion. The couples are united.
His Majesty
King Ferdinand loves Felice, the adopted daughter of a woodman, while Princess Chloris loves Prince Max. Max devises a plan for Chloris to elope with him and for Felice to take her place. A trunk carried by Felice contains proof that she is Chloris’s older sister and the person originally intended to marry Ferdinand.
Historia von D. Johann Fausten
Faustus makes a blood pact with Mephistopheles in exchange for knowledge and power. He seeks pleasure and tours Hell and Paradise, but is coerced into renewing his pact with Lucifer. Twenty-four years later, his students urge repentance, but Mephistopheles claims his soul and destroys him; the chorus warns against evil.
Hlas lesa
A bride forced into an unwanted marriage is captured in a forest by bandits. She finds the man she loves among their captives and frees him; when he does not recognize her, she unties the cloth over his eyes, and the pair reunite.
Hochzeitsnacht im Paradies
An eight-scene German operetta with a book by Heinz Hentschke, lyrics by Gunther Schwenn and music by Friedrich Schröder.
Holger Danske
Oberon and Titania have vowed to reconcile only if they find a human couple who remain faithful through danger and temptation. They choose Holger, a knight of Charlemagne, and Rezia, daughter of the Sultan of Baghdad. Holger must fulfill a punishment by cutting a lock from the sultan’s beard and kissing Rezia. After the couple recognize each other, they are shipwrecked, enslaved and threatened with death, but Oberon and Titania free them. Holger uses a magic horn to overcome their enemies, and both couples are reunited.
Honzovo království
Otakar Ostrčil’s three-act Czech opera adapts Leo Tolstoy’s short story Tale of Ivan the Jester.
Hopscotch
An experimental, site-specific opera inspired by the Orpheus myth. Its October 2015 Los Angeles performances carried audiences between locations in 24 cars, with scenes and musicians appearing inside the limousines. The reviewed entry does not name individual composers or librettists.
Horatius Coclès
During an Etruscan siege, Horatius vows to defend Rome’s new republic. He guards the bridge while Roman forces cut it down, plunging into the Tiber but surviving. Mucius Scaevola recounts his failed assassination attempt and self-punishment; impressed, Porsenna abandons his conquest, and Publicola returns with the freed captives, including Horatius’s son.
Horia
During the 1784 Transylvanian peasant revolt, Horia first seeks reforms from the governor, then becomes commander of the uprising. He urges the serfs to resist vengeance, but the revolt is defeated. Horia and Cloșca are captured and sentenced to death; Ileana’s plea for clemency is rejected.
Hry o Marii
A four-part cycle of religious tales: wise and foolish virgins await a bridegroom; Mary of Nijmegen marries the devil but is redeemed by the Virgin Mary; the Nativity story includes a miracle that restores a blacksmith’s daughter’s hands; and Sister Pasqualina leaves her convent, is accused of murder, and is saved from execution by Mary before returning to the convent and dying.
Hugh the Drover
In an 1812 Cotswolds town, Mary falls in love with Hugh, a travelling drover, though her father wants her to marry John the butcher. Hugh wins a prizefight against John, who accuses him of being a French spy, and Hugh is put in the stocks. Mary frees him, and they are recognized by soldiers as loyal Britons. Mary and Hugh leave together.
Hulda
Aslak and his sons murder Hulda’s family, and she vows revenge. Two years later, she is to marry Gudleik, but she falls in love with the king’s emissary Eiolf; Gudleik is killed in a fight with him. Aslak later kills another son, Arne, after finding him with Hulda. Eiolf leaves Hulda and reconciles with Swanhilde, so Hulda recruits the remaining Aslak brothers to murder him. After they kill Eiolf, the brothers turn on Hulda. She welcomes death and throws herself into the fjord.
Hunyadi László
After the death of military leader János Hunyadi, his son László and brother Mátyás face hostility from the weak king László V and regent Ulrik Cillei. Cillei plots against them but is killed by László’s followers. The king pardons the brothers, then falls in love with Mária, László’s fiancée. Mária’s father Gara falsely accuses László of plotting to kill the king. Though Mária urges him to escape prison, László trusts the king’s promise. Gara orders the executioner’s fourth strike, and László is beheaded.
Hydaspes
Persian brothers Artaserse and Idaspe are rivals for Berenice’s love. The king condemns Idaspe to fight a lion in the amphitheatre while Berenice watches. Idaspe strangles the lion, and the people call for mercy, leading to a general reconciliation.
Hydrogen Jukebox
Philip Glass and Allen Ginsberg’s chamber opera presents a portrait of America from the 1950s through the late 1980s through Ginsberg’s poems. Its themes include war, sexual revolution, drugs, Eastern philosophy, and environmental issues. Six vocal parts represent archetypal American characters, while Ginsberg narrates the work.
Hypermnestre
A tragédie en musique based on the Greek myth of Hypermnestra.
Háry János
At a village inn, veteran soldier Háry János recounts fantastic exploits to his listeners. He claims to move a frontier gate to help Marie Louise cross into Hungary, then joins the imperial court with his sweetheart Örzse. He describes riding a wild horse, becoming a captain, and defeating Napoleon single-handedly. Though the princess wants to marry him, Háry and Örzse return to their village. In the epilogue, the innkeeper says he never received the gold watch Háry claims was sent to the village.
Hänsel und Gretel
Hansel and Gretel are sent into the forest after their mother accidentally breaks the milk jug they were meant to watch. As night falls, the Sandman puts them to sleep, and angels guard them. In the morning they find a gingerbread house and are captured by a witch who plans to eat them. Gretel steals the witch’s wand, frees Hansel, and tricks the witch into the oven. The gingerbread children are restored to human form, and the children reunite with their parents.
Hélène
Paris comes to Sparta to marry Helen, whom Venus promised him after he chose her as the most beautiful goddess. Venus urges Helen to leave Menelaus for Paris, while Pallas warns her of the devastation that will follow if she leaves for Troy. Helen follows Venus’s counsel and sails away with Paris.
Héléna
Constantin, count of Arles, is falsely accused of murdering his father. He and his wife Héléna flee, entrusting their young son to a farmer. Héléna later hides with the farmer in disguise, while Constantin returns to Arles and is hunted by the new count Edmond. The people threaten Héléna and her son unless Constantin surrenders. Edmond then reveals that his own father, Romuald, confessed to the murder on his deathbed, clears Constantin's name, and the opera ends happily.
Hérodiade
In Jerusalem, Salomé searches for her absent mother and loves the prophet Jean. King Hérode is also in love with Salomé, while his wife Hérodiade wants Jean punished for insulting her. Jean is arrested and refuses to help Hérode against Rome. Hérode condemns Jean and Salomé to death after she rejects him. After Jean is executed, Salomé asks Hérodiade to let her die too. Hérodiade’s silence enrages Salomé, who tries to kill her; the queen reveals she is Salomé’s mother, and Salomé stabs herself.
Hésione
Télamon and Anchise both love Hésione. Venus tries to win Anchise and then drives a wedge between the lovers, while Neptune punishes Hésione’s father Laomédon by destroying Troy’s walls and sending a sea monster. Télamon defeats the monster and wins Hésione; Venus takes Anchise for herself.
Hôtel de Pékin – Dreams for a Dragon Queen
An English-language opera built around Empress Dowager Cixi’s deathbed reminiscences.
I Capuleti e i Montecchi
In thirteenth-century Verona, Giulietta is betrothed to Tebaldo but loves Romeo, leader of the rival Montecchi. Romeo offers peace and asks Capellio for Giulietta’s hand, but the family rejects him. Giulietta’s doctor, Lorenzo, gives her a potion that makes her appear dead so she can escape with Romeo. Romeo, unaware of the plan, finds her in the tomb and takes poison. Giulietta awakens too late, and the lovers die together.
I Lituani
Walter, a Lithuanian disguised as a Teutonic Grand Master, secretly turns the Order’s strength against itself to free Lithuania. His wife Aldona finds him after the plot is exposed; rather than face capture, he takes poison and dies as Lithuania celebrates victory.
I Lombardi alla prima crociata
In Milan, Pagano is reconciled with his brother Arvino but still desires Arvino’s wife, Viclinda. During an attack on the family palace, Pagano mistakenly kills his father and is exiled. Years later, as a hermit in the Holy Land, he helps the Crusaders capture Antioch, where Arvino’s daughter Giselda is held. Giselda falls in love with Oronte, the son of Antioch’s ruler; after Oronte is wounded, he converts and dies. Pagano’s guidance leads the Crusaders to water and victory, and he dies after revealing his identity and receiving Arvino’s forgiveness.
I Medici
Giuliano de’ Medici loves Simonetta Cattanei, who warns him of a conspiracy against his family. Simonetta is killed by the conspirators, who also kill Giuliano. Lorenzo escapes with the poet Poliziano’s help, wins the people’s support, and the conspirators are lynched.
I Mori di Valenza
Set in Valencia in the early 17th century during Philip III’s expulsion of the Moriscos from Spain.
I Rantzau
A four-act Italian opera by Pietro Mascagni, based on Erckmann and Chatrian’s play Les Rantzau. The central lovers are first cousins who marry.
I Shardana
Ennio Porrino’s opera imagines a mythic tale of the Bronze Age Nuragic people of Sardinia, inspired by the island’s megalithic nuraghes. The available text does not give a fuller plot.
I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky
Set in Los Angeles after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the song play follows seven young Americans from different social and ethnic backgrounds as they react to the disaster.
I briganti
Saverio Mercadante’s three-act opera is based on Friedrich Schiller’s play Die Räuber. The available text does not describe its plot.
I cavalieri di Ekebù
An Italian opera based on Selma Lagerlöf’s novel Gösta Berling’s Saga.
I cherusci
Set amid conflict between the Marcomanni and Cherusci, the opera includes Treuta, leader of the Marcomanni; Tusnelda, a Cheruscan enslaved by him and due to be sacrificed; and Tamaro, leader of the Cherusci. Tusnelda’s adoptive father discovers that Treuta is her father.
I disingannati
A three-act comic opera based on Molière’s play Le Misanthrope.
I due Figaro, o sia Il soggetto di una commedia
A two-act comic opera and homage to Mozart, it follows Cherubino after his return from twelve years in the army. The available text does not provide further plot details.
I due Figaro, o sia Il soggetto di una commedia
At Count Almaviva’s castle near Seville, Torribio schemes to marry Inez using the assumed identity Don Alvaro, with Figaro’s help. Inez loves Cherubino, who disguises himself as another Figaro and enters the Count’s service. After misunderstandings and confrontations, Cherubino reveals that Torribio is a former servant and exposes the deception. Almaviva agrees to Inez and Cherubino’s marriage and forgives Figaro.
I due Foscari
In 1457 Venice, Jacopo Foscari, son of Doge Francesco, is tried by the Council of Ten and sentenced to further exile for murder. His wife Lucrezia pleads with the Doge to intervene, but he insists he must uphold Venetian law. Jacopo is sent away; before departure, he dies. Evidence later arrives proving his innocence, but the Council orders Francesco to surrender his office. He renounces the trappings of power and dies as the bell announces his successor.
I due timidi
One-act radio opera, also described as a commedia lirica, composed by Nino Rota to a libretto by Suso Cecchi d’Amico. The entry records its broadcast and stage history but gives no plot synopsis.
I fuorusciti di Firenze
Bandit Umberto holds Isabella prisoner, and her husband Edoardo’s attempt to rescue her fails. Isabella is ultimately revealed to be Umberto’s daughter.
I gioielli della Madonna
In Naples, Gennaro is in love with his adoptive sister Maliella. Rafaele, leader of a Camorra band, pursues Maliella and promises to steal the Madonna’s jewels for her. Gennaro warns Maliella about Rafaele, but she rejects him and prepares to leave home. Gennaro steals the jewels and brings them to her; in a trance, Maliella mistakes him for Rafaele and yields to him. When Rafaele learns what happened, he rejects her. Maliella drowns herself, and Gennaro finds a knife and stabs himself.
I giuochi d'Agrigento
Set during athletic games at ancient Agrigento, Giovanni Paisiello’s opera draws in part on Metastasio’s L’Olimpiade. The available text does not provide further plot details.
I masnadieri
Carlo Moor, the elder son of Count Massimiliano, joins a band of robbers after believing that his father has rejected him. His brother Francesco has intercepted Carlo’s plea for forgiveness and plots to inherit the estate, telling their father and Carlo’s beloved Amalia that Carlo is dead. Servant Arminio later reveals that Carlo and the Count are alive. Carlo reunites with Amalia and discovers his father, but when the robbers capture Amalia and she insists she still loves him, Carlo kills her rather than draw her into his criminal life.
I pazzi per progetto
At a Paris mental hospital, Norina and her husband Blinval pretend to be mad to test each other’s feelings after separation and jealousy. Their deceptions intersect with a trumpeter posing as a doctor and Cristina’s guardian, who wants her dowry; the farce ends with the misunderstandings resolved.
I puritani
During the English Civil War, Puritan Elvira is to marry Riccardo, but she loves the Royalist Arturo. Arturo helps the captured Queen Henrietta Maria escape on their wedding day, causing Elvira to lose her sanity. Months later Arturo returns, and their reunion restores her reason. A pardon from Oliver Cromwell saves Arturo from execution, and the lovers are reunited.
I quatro rusteghi
In eighteenth-century Venice, four curmudgeonly husbands try to keep their wives and daughters under control. The women decide to defy them by arranging for Lucieta to meet Filipeto, her intended husband, before their arranged marriage.
I riti d'Efeso
Two-act Italian dramma eroico per musica in 26 scenes.
I've Got the Tune
Composer Mr. Musiker searches for words to fit a tune, accompanied by his secretary Beetzie. They encounter an avant-garde artist, a fascist group, and a woman who attempts suicide; each gives the tune a different form. At a school field day, students adapt the melody for their own song, and Musiker recognizes that it belongs to them.
IYOV
The opera-requiem juxtaposes recitatives based on the Book of Job with parts of the Catholic Mass. It follows Job through pride and disbelief, his search for meaning, and themes of death, hope, and regret.
Ib and Little Christina
As children, Ib and Christina love each other, and a gypsy woman grants Ib three wishes. Fifteen years later Christina chooses the prosperous John, and Ib lets her go. Years afterward, Christina has died in poverty; the gypsy brings her daughter to Ib, and the two live together happily.
Idaspe
A baroque opera by Riccardo Broschi featuring the Persian king Artaserse, his brother Dario, and nephew Idaspe, along with Berenice and Mandane.
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