Anna Bolena

Anna Bolena (Donizetti). Libretto by Felice Romani; 2 acts; first performance Milan 1830.

England, 1536: Enrico (King Henry VIII) is losing interest in Anna Bolena (Anne Boleyn) in favour of Giovanna (Jane) Seymour. At a hunting party, Anna meets her first love, Lord Riccardo (Richard) Percy, who has heard about her unhappiness and questions her brother, Lord Rochefort. Smeton, himself in love with Anna, overhears Rochefort arranging for Anna to see Percy. When she admits to Percy how unhappy she is, he confesses he still loves her. The King, finding them together, accuses her of infidelity and commits her to the Tower to await trial. Giovanna tells her that the King will spare her if she admits her guilt. Percy offers to die in her place, but Anna is led to the scaffold, together with Percy and Rochefort, as the wedding of Enrico and Giovanna is announced.