Acts 3 and 4 of the opera by Verdi from the Royal Opera House,
Covent Garden
Acts 1 and 2 were broadcast in the Regional programme beginning at 8.0
Cast in order of appearance
Soldiers, monks
The London Philharmonic Orchestra
Leader, David McCallum
Conductor, Vittorio Gui
Chorus Master, Robert Ainsworth
Producer, Charles Moor
Act 3
Scene 1: A military encampment near Castellar
Scene 2: A room in the fortress of Castellar
The Count's army is besieging the castle of Castellar, where Manrico and Leonora are making preparations for their marriage. Azucena, who is found prowling about the Count's camp, is recognised as the woman who stole the Count's brother and is dragged away to be burnt. Manrico calls his men to arms.
10.10 'Thirty Years around the Villages '—2
C. F. Lawrance
C. F. Lawrance gave the first part of his talk in the Regional programme at 8.25.
10.25 ' II Trovatore'
Act 4
Scene 1: A wing of the palace of Aljaferia
Scene 2 : A dungeon
Castellar has been captured and Manrico is the Count's prisoner, but no trace has been found of Leonora. As the chanting of the ' Miserere ' announces that the prisoner's last hour has come, Leonora appears and offers herself to the Count as the price for Manrico's life. The Count agrees and Leonora goes to tell Manrico in his dungeon that he is free, but she has taken poison and presently dies in his arms. Furious at the deception the Count sends Manrico off to instant death. At this point Azucena, seeing Manrico dead, reveals to the horror-stricken Count that he has murdered his own brother. Her mother is avenged at last.