One-act opera

The opera begins with a prologue sung by the Mother, overcome by despair. For she is about to meet her son who is a prisoner of the Inquisition, and senses that this is the last time she will see him. She also remembers a terrible dream that persecutes her: at the bottom of a dark cave appears Philip II in the guise of death. The first choral intermezzo is followed by scene one.

A ghastly cell in the dungeons of the Saragossa Official.
The Prisoner tells his Mother of the tortures and humiliations he has suffered. But also of the relief received from his Jailer. For this man called him “brother”, and the word has revived his hope. The Jailer now enters and tells the Prisoner of the success of the Insurrection by the beggars of Flanders. Soon they will ring the great bell of Ghent: Roelandt, the bell of liberty. Rekindled by enthusiasm, the Prisoner sings with the Jailer an aria in three stanzas, celebrating his approaching release. When he goes out the Jailer leaves the door half-open, through which a ray of light is filtered. Full of hope, the Prisoner rushes out of the door.

The dungeons of the Official in Saragossa.
Lost in the long dark basements, the Prisoner prays. Fra Redemptor passes, holding an instrument of torture and followed by two priests engaged in a theological discussion. The Prisoner crouches in terror but then continues his flight. A breath of air tells him the exit must by now be close. Soon he hears the tolls of the bell and thinks it must be the Roelandt, the bell of liberty in Ghent. A second choral intermezzo follows, after which the last scene is revealed.

A vast garden under the starry sky.
The Prisoner has regained his freedom and sings an enthusiastic Hallelujah. He opens his arms in a burst of love for all mankind, but finds himself caught in the grip of the Grand Inquisitor, who calls him “brother”. Recognizing his Jailer’s voice, the Prisoner is dumbstruck. From the back of the stage bright flashes of light are seen. The Grand Inquisitor leads the Prisoner to the Post.