Opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto - Temistocle Solera

First performance: 9 March 1842, Milan, Teatro alla Scala.
First performance in Bulgaria: 17 May 1967, Stara Zagora.

First performance in Ruse: 8 March 1990, conductor - Georgi Dimitrov, director - Georgi Parvanov, set and costume designer - Ivan Savov, choirmaster - Hristo Stoev.

Short synopsis:

Act One - "Jerusalem"

The Jewish people seek salvation in Solomon's temple in Jerusalem. They are overwhelmed by the irresistible onslaught of the invading Babylonian army led by Nabucco. Fervent pleas to Jehovah God are the Jews' last hope for miraculous deliverance. The high priest Zechariah enters the temple and brings with him Fenena, Nabucco's younger daughter. She has been under the spell of her secret love affair with Ishmael since the days when Ishmael, the nephew of the king of the Jews, was a hostage in Babylon. Relying on this, Zakaria hopes to achieve a salvific truce. At that moment, Ishmael appears with news of the Babylonian army approaching the temple. Zechariah encourages the Jews and, instilling faith in God's help, leads them into battle with the enemy.

Ishmael wishes to save his beloved. They could escape and be happy together, but unfortunately it is too late - the temple has already been invaded by Babylonian soldiers led by Abigail, Fenena's older sister. Discovering the love between the two, Abigail, who is also in love with Ishmael is gripped by a burning jealousy. She wishes for the impossible - for Ishmael to give up her feelings for Fenena. Otherwise there is no salvation for them and for Jerusalem. A nation invades, pursued by the Babylonian army led by Nabucco. Zakaria raises his sword and threatens to kill Fenena. Ishmael stops him. He is cursed as a traitor. Abigail, whose unrequited love for him instantly turns to hatred, vows to wipe the Jewish tribe from the face of the earth. Nabucco orders his troops to loot and burn the temple and the Jews to be taken into slavery.

Act Two - "The Godless"

In the chambers of the king of Babylon. Abigail has learned the truth of her origins - she is Nabucco's illegitimate daughter by his slave girl. Left without the right to inherit the throne and without the affection of Ishmael, she burns with rage at Nabucco, who, engaged in war with the Jews has left his younger daughter Fenena temporarily on the throne. Abigail cannot bear this. She desires the crown of Babylon for herself alone. The high priest of Baal reports that Fenena has decided to free the Jews from slavery. To prevent this, the priests' coven promises that they will support Abigail to usurp the throne by spreading the rumor that Nabucco died in battle. Abigail does not hesitate - her hour of reckoning has come.

The high priest Zechariah hands over the secretly rescued tablets, sacred to the Jewish people, to the youngest of the Levites. After him come the other Levites and Ishmael. He makes a fervent plea for forgiveness, but they are adamant and curse him again for his betrayal. Zechariah returns to them, accompanied by Fenena and his sister Anna, who announces that Fenena has converted to the Jewish faith. He is innocent of deception because he saved a Jewish woman. Abdalo, the faithful captain of the king of Babylon, announces the death of Nabucco, the seizure of power by Abigail and the priests, and that Fenena has been condemned to death by her sister along with all the Jews. Abigail also appears, accompanied by the High Priest. She insists that Fenena cede the crown to her, but at that moment Nabuco suddenly returns. Having uncovered the plot against himself, he threatens the traitors with death and declares himself the only god. Saying these words, the godless man falls, struck down by lightning.

Act Three - "The Prophecy"

Abigail triumphed. She has ascended the throne of Babylon and is receiving praise and honors. The High Priest of Baal insists that she immediately sign the order for the death of the Jews and Fenena. Abigail dares not do this herself. Nabucco comes. His mind is clouded by the power of the divine punishment that has befallen him. Abigail exploits his weakness and he confirms the death sentence. In a brief moment of enlightenment, he realizes that Fenena will perish along with the Jews. Neither his desperate protests nor his pleas for mercy reach Abigail's hard heart. She remains adamant.

Enslaved and exiled, the Jews dream of their homeland. With them is the high priest Zechariah. As the true spiritual father of his people, he calls on all to strengthen their faith in the soon deliverance. Righteous anger and faith in God's inexorable retribution burn in his prophetic words. He foresees how soon the kingdom of the enslaver will crumble. The cherished hour of freedom will invariably come.

Act IV - "The Fallen Idol"

Nightmarish visions haunt Nabucco. Gradually his thoughts clear and he realises with horror the terrible truth - death awaits his beloved daughter and he, a powerless captive, could not save her. Sinking into the depths of repentance, Nabuco prays to Jehovah for help. Abdalo and the rest of the king's loyal warriors arrive. With their help, Nabuco revives his royal power. He will save the Jews and Fenena from death.

Fenena is moments away from death. Her prayer to God is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Nabuco and his army. The king announces the salvation of the Jewish people. He orders the Babylonian idol of Baal to be overthrown and grants freedom to the Jews. Abigail comes. In her dying hour she asks Fenena to forgive her. Zakaria proclaims Nabucco king of the Jews and Babylonians.