Franz Schubert ALFONSO UND ESTRELLA D 732 Opera in 3 Acts, Libreto Franz von Schober Written: 1821; Vienna, Austria 1. Act 0:00 2. Act 1:07:27 3. Act 2:00:49 Estrella, Mauregato's daughter: Edith Mathis Soprano Alfonso King Froila's son: Peter Schreier Tenor Mauregato, the usurper: Hermann Prey Baritone King Froila: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau Baritone Adolfo, Mauregato's general heo Adam Bass Rundfunk Chor and Staatskapelle Berlin Otmar Suitner Conductor Date of Recording: 02/01/1978 Synopsis: Alfonso is the son of the deposed King Froila, of León. Froila is concerned that Alfonso is anxious to lead a revolt against Mauregato, the usurper of Froila's throne. At the court of Leon, Adolfo, an ambitious general, is in love with Estrella, the daughter of Mauregato. However, Mauregato has said that only the man who has the "Chain of Eurich" may marry Estrella. Angry at being denied Estrella in marriage, Adolfo plans a coup against Mauregato. During a hunting expedition, Estrella is separated from her party. She and Alfonso meet and fall in love, unaware of the identity of the other. Alfonso gives Estrella a necklace that he has always carried, and directs her on a safe path home. Back at court, she tells her story, and Mauregato recognizes the necklace as the "Chain of Eurich". Before he can tell her of its meaning, the rebellion led by Adolfo has begun, and Adolfo captures Estrella. Alfonso learns that Estrella is Mauregato's daughter, and then sides with Mauregato against the rebels. Mauregato's forces defeat Adolfo, and Alfonso rescues Estrella. However, Mauregato has a crisis of conscience, and he restores Froila to his throne. In turn, Froila gives up his power to Alfonso and Estrella. Note: Historically, the Kingdom of León did have a king called Froila, and the kingdom was in his time troubled by instability and power struggles, but not those recounted in the opera.