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Rienzi
by Richard Wagner
Richard Wagner c.1840.jpg
Wagner, ca. 1840
Genre Opera in 5 acts
Native title Rienzi, der Letzte der Tribunen
Translation Rienzi, the Last of the Tribunes
Librettist Richard Wagner
Language German
Based on Novel by Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Premiere Semperoper,
Dresden, Germany
29 October 1842

Rienzi is a grand opera written by Richard Wagner. Its full German name is Rienzi, der Letzte der Tribunen, which means Rienzi, the Last of the Tribunes. This opera has five acts, which are like big sections of the story.

Wagner wrote both the music and the story (called the libretto) for Rienzi. He got the idea from a novel by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. Wagner worked on this opera between 1838 and 1840. It was first shown to the public in Dresden, Germany, on October 20, 1842. This was a very important moment for Wagner, as it was his first big success as an opera composer!

What is Rienzi About?

The story of Rienzi takes place in Rome, a famous city in Italy. It is based on the real-life story of a person named Cola di Rienzi. He lived a long time ago, in the Middle Ages (around the 1300s).

Rienzi was a clever leader who wanted to help the ordinary people of Rome. At that time, powerful noble families often fought each other. This caused a lot of trouble for everyone else.

Rienzi's Rise to Power

Rienzi managed to trick the nobles and their followers. He helped the common people gain more power in the city. At first, he was very popular. People saw him as a hero who could bring peace and fairness back to Rome. He became a powerful leader, almost like a ruler.

His Downfall

However, things started to get difficult for Rienzi. He had to use force to keep the nobles in line. Also, the Church, which was very powerful back then, turned against him.

Eventually, the ordinary people who once supported him also turned away. In the end, they even set fire to the Capitol. This was a famous building where Rienzi and his friends were trying to find safety.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Rienzi para niños

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