Enemy of the Fatherland

In Umberto Giordano’s opera, ANDREA CHENIER, there is a powerful aria that could easily be sung in an opera about our current world state. The opera’s story is built on the real-life character of the poet André Chénier, who died on the scaffold in the final days of the Reign of Terror.

During the years of the French revolution, Carlo Gérard, a former servant in an aristocratic household, has risen to a powerful position in the Reign of Terror. As a prosecutor for the Revolutionary Tribunal, he arranges “evidence” against those charged with treason.

Now he must present the case against the poet André Chénier, a man he knows full well is innocent of the charges against him. At this moment, Gérard finds his true heart and soul again. At the trial, he defends Chénier, saying that his accusing document is a fabrication.

Nevertheless, Chénier is condemned to death. He was guillotined on July 25, 1794. Three days later came Robespierre’s fall from power and subsequent execution, ending the Reign of Terror.

The great baritone Giuseppe Taddei sings the aria, “Nemico della patria” here.

Follow the words below; it could be happening today:

“An enemy of the State?!

It’s an old fable

That people are still blissfully swallowing.

Born in Constantinople? A Foreigner!

Studied at Saint-Cyr? A Soldier!                          

Traitor! Accomplice to Dumouriez!

And a poet? Corrupter of hearts

And morals!

(a pause)

I once lived joyfully,

Without hatred or vengeance

Pure, innocent, and strong;

I thought myself a giant!

But I’m still only a servant…

One who’s changed masters.           

An obedient servant to violent passions!

Ah, worse yet: they’ve made me a killer!

And while I kill, I weep!

Me, a son of the Revolution,                             

One of the first to hear its cry!

For the world, I united that cry to my own.

Have I now lost faith

In that dream of destiny?

Oh, how my path

Shone with glory!

The heart’s conscience,

A reawakening of the people,

Gathering up the tears

Of the vanquished and suffering,

Making the world a Pantheon,

Changing men into gods;

And in one kiss –

In one kiss and one embrace –

To love all mankind!”