What is Rienzi?
{{italictitle}} {{Infobox opera | name = Rienzi | translated_name = Rienzi, the Last of the Tribunes | native_name = Rienzi, der Letzte der Tribunen | native_name_lang = de | image = File:Richard Wagner c.1840.jpg | image_size = 220px | alt = | caption = Wagner, ca. 1840 | genre = [[Opera]] in 5 acts | other_name = | composer = [[Richard Wagner]] | librettist = Richard Wagner | language = German | based_on = Novel by [[Edward Bulwer-Lytton]] | premiere_date = | premiere_location = Semperoper,<br />[[Dresden]], [[Germany]]<br/ >29 October 1842 | other = | website = }} '''''Rienzi''''' is an opera by [[Richard Wagner]]. Its full title is '''''Rienzi, der Letzte der Tribunen''''' (''Rienzi, the Last of the [[Tribunes]]''). It is one of the earliest operas Wagner wrote. There are five acts. Wagner wrote the [[libretto]] himself, using the story from a [[novel]] by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. It was composed between [[1838]] and [[1840]] It was first performed at the [[Semperoper|Hofoper]], [[Dresden]] on 20 October [[1842]]. It was the first time Wagner had a success as an opera [[composer]]. ==Story== The story of the opera is set in [[Rome]] and is based on the life of Cola di Rienzi ([[1313]]–[[1354]]), a [[medieval]] [[Italy|Italian]] populist figure who manages to trick the [[noble]]s and their followers. He helps the people to get power. At first he is very popular, but then he has to use force against the nobles, and the [[Church]] turns against him. In the end the [[Ordinary People|ordinary people]] burn the [[Campidoglio|Capitol]] where Rienzi and his friends are [[shelter]]ing. {{Music-stub}}{{authority control}} [[Category:Operas by Richard Wagner]] [[Category:1840s operas]]