Who does Abigaille think she is?

She thinks she is the King's eldest daughter. Her idol is her father but he cares only for Fenena, his only biological daughter. No wonder Abigaille has a difficult relation to her sister. The love of her father is not the only issue but that Ismaele also prefers Fenena is like a deadly poison to the heart of Abigaille.

If she cannot have her fathers love at least his admiration. That is her real reason for soldiering and dreams of becoming Queen. Nabucco is blind to her needs. He is a man of ambition himself so he can understand ambition but that she is trying to show him her love is beside him to see. The need of an heir was behind the making of Abigaille as his daughter. His need was met but the need of a child of love from a parent was not met. All the times when he shows his preference for Fenena he creates poison in Abigaille's heart.

Of course Abigaille is a cruel warrior but no more than Nabucco himself. But Abigaille has a sweet side to. Not only willing to save Ismaele but even his people Israel. She only want his love. But it is too late. Fenena owns his heart. Deep down Abigaille even love her sister. When her jealousy at last is over she can feel loveand only love.

In the end of the opera one can hope that she is at last seen by God and forgiven. I find her conversion deeper and more touching than Nabucco. Nabucco gets a whole scene and she only an aria in the end.

Nabucco 2002-01-12, 2005-07-01, 2007-06-29, 2007-08-11, 2008-02-22, 2008-07-14, 2008-07-17, 2010-01-30

I love Abigaille

For more reviews from my travels, see www.operaduetstravel.com