Rienzi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rienzi
by Richard Wagner
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.

Images for kids

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  Interior of the first Dresden Opera House, where Rienzi was premiered in 1842 (contemporary sketch by J. C. A. Richter)

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  Baron von Lüttichau (1786–1863), General Director of the Dresden Opera House from 1824

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  Carl Reißiger, conductor of the first performance of Rienzi

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  Act 4, last scene, in the Dresden Opera House (1842)

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  Una via, nel fondo la chiesa del Laterano. On th right Rienzi's house, set design for Rienzi act 1 (1842).

See also

In Spanish: Rienzi para niños