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King Torrismund
(II re Torrismondo)
Tragedy: 5 acts: verse: by Torquato TASSO wr. 1573/86, prod. 1618).
Tragedy in which Torrismund, King of the Goths, falls in
love with and possesses Alvida, Princess of Norway, destined
to be the wife of his friend Germund. Overcome by guilt,
Torrismund persuades Germund to marry his sister Rosmunda as
a bond of friendship. Torrismund then promises Alvida that
she will be his bride. However, Rosmunda reveals to him that
she is not his true sister and is unworthy of Germund. A
girl of humble origin, she was substituted in the cradle for
the true princess by Torrismund's father in order to avoid
the fulfilment of a prophecy that the Princess would cause
her brother's death. Upon further interrogation of servants
of the palace and of a servant of the King of Norway,
Torrismund realises that Alvida is his true sister. In his
horror he tells Alvida that she must marry Germund. Alvida,
unaware of his motives, thinks Torrismund has betrayed her
and in her grief stabs herself. Torrismund arrives at her
side shortly before her death and reveals himself as her
brother. He affirms his continuing love for Alvida and in
desperation kills himself with his sword.
{PETER BONDANELLA}