Opera Guide– The Templar and the Jewess
German Opera Der Templer und die Jüdin by Heinrich Marschner
Heinrich August Marschner's opera Der Templer und die Jüdin (The Templar and the Jewess) premiered at the Stadttheater in Leipzig in 1829. The libretto was written by Wilhelm August Wohlbrück, based on the novel Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. Other operas by Heinrich Marschner include Der Vampyr and Hans Heiling.
Characters
- Cedric von Rotherwood, a Saxon knight (Bass)
- Wilfried von Ivanhoe, his son (Tenor)
- Rowena von Hargottstandstede, his ward (Soprano)
- Lucas de Beaumanoir, Knights Templar Grand Master (Bass)
- Brian de Bois-Guilbert, Templar (Baritone)
- Maurice de Bracy, Norman knight (Tenor)
- Albert Malvoisin, Norman knight (Baritone)
- The Black Knight, King Richard I in disguise (Bass)
- Lokslei, the outlaw leader (Baritone)
- Wamba, a fool, Cedric's servant (Tenor)
- Oswald, Cedric's steward (Bass)
- Robert, Bois-Guilbert's shield bearer (Spoken)
- Elgitha, Rowena's maid (Spoken)
- Friar Tuck, Hermit of Copmanhurst (Bass)
- Isaac of York, a Jew (Spoken)
- Rebecca, his daughter (Soprano)
- Conrad, Malvoisin's squire (Spoken)
- Walter, an outlaw (Spoken)
- Willibald, an outlaw (Spoken)
- Philip, Bois-Guilbert's squire (Spoken)
- Herdibert (Spoken)
Plot Summary
The story takes place in York, England in 1194, during the reign of King Richard I ("The Lionheart"). It is set over the background of the Crusades. The character Lokslei (i.e. Locksley) is a version of Robin Hood.
Act I
Scene 1 - The Woods
De Bracy and his companions, who are planning an attack on Rowena, conspire with de Bois-Guilbert, who is planning to kidnap Rebecca.
Cedric believes that Lord Athelstane should have the crown in King Richard's absence and that Rowena should be his wife. His son Wilfried von Ivanhoe has been banished because of his love for Rowena, although Rowena loves him back and scorns Athelstane.
Isaac and his daughter Rebecca arrive with a wounded Ivanhoe. They join Cedric.
Scene 2 - Friar Tuck's Hut
Tuck gives food and shelter to the Black Knight. Lokslei reports that Cedric, Athelstane, and Rowena have been kidnapped by De Bracy, and the Knight, Tuck, and the outlaws go to free them.
Scene 3 - De Bracy's Castle
De Bois-Guilbert professes his love to Rebecca, but she is repulsed. Lokslei and his men arrive, and de Bois-Guilbert goes out to fight them. Ivanhoe tries to leave also, but Rebecca prevents him due to his injury. He swears his gratitude to her.
Scene 4 - Courtyard
Lokslei's men have been victorious and are burning the castle. Ivanhoe has escaped, but de Bois-Guibert carries out Rebecca by force.
Act II
Scene 1 - The Woods
Isaac arrives, with Friar Tuck, looking for his daughter. The Black Knight tells him to look with the Templars. Ivanhoe reveals that the Black Knight is none other than King Richard the Lionhearted. King Richard pardons Lokslei and the other outlaws.
Scene 2 - The Templars' Castle
Isaac asks de Beaumanoir to free Rebecca, but she has been accused of witchcraft. De Bois-Guilbert continues to pursue her.
Scene 3 - The Templars' Arena
A duel is planned. De Bois-Guilbert will represent the Templars, and Rebecca must choose a man to fight for her by the next day.
Act III
Scene 1 - Cedric's Castle
Cedric and Ivanhoe reconcile, and King Richard marries Ivanhoe and Rowena. Isaac informs the others of the duel that is planned, and Ivanhoe goes to the Templars to defend Rebecca.
Scene 2 - Rebecca's Prison Cell
De Bois-Guilbert offers to save Rebecca if she would only accept his love, but she continues to rebuff him.
Scene 3 - The Templars' Arena
Ivanhoe arrives just in time and defeats de Bois-Guilbert. King Richard punishes the Templars for their injustice.
Sources:
- Palmer, Allen Dean. Heinrich August Marschner: 1795-1861. UMI Research Press: Ann Arbor, 1980.
- Melitz, Leo, trans. Richard Salinger. The Opera Goers' Complete Guide. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1921.
Heinrich Marschner
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