About This Item
The present is a recording from the performance of the first modern revival at Drottningholm Palace Theatre, Stockholm, June 7th, 1973 of the dramatic opera in three acts composed in 1787 by Georg Joseph (Abbe) Vogler. The year is 1613. The war between Sweden and Denmark is drawing to a crucial point. The young and rather new King Gustaf II Adolf is in the field while Ebba Brahe, whom he adored ever since he was a child, is a lady-in-waiting to the Dowager Queen Kristina. Ebba and Gustaf Adolf intend marrying as soon as he got home, but the Dowager Queen disapprove their plans, and instead wants the King to find a royal bride. To prevent the marriage, she tries to get Ebba to doubt his love and fidelity, and intrigues. Eventually she gets Ebba marrying Admiral Jacob de la Gardie instead, and when the King shortly after return from the decisive battle against Denmark, he stands before the fait accompli. In his despair, he is considering to seek death, but is persuaded by his people continuing to lead them as a fatherly, wise and diligent King. The King realizes that duty and people's love is greater and more important than his own personal happiness. Gustaf Adolf reconciled with Ebba and congratulate the bride and groom.
