Rienzi, der Letzte der Tribunen

Opera in five acts by Wagner (first called Cola Rienzi) (libretto by composer based on Bulwer-Lytton's novel and, further back, on Mary Russell Mitford's play), produced at Dresden on 20 October 1842. In the story, Rienzi, proclaimed tribune of Rome, faces assassination plots from the nobleman led by Orsini and Colonna, whose son Adriano loves Rienzi's sister Irene. After his opponents are killed Rienzi is excommunicated by papal allies of Colonna. He is abandoned by all except Irene, who remains loyal to the end. As the siblings are stoned by the people, Adriano tries to rescue Irene but all three are killed as the burning building collapses.