TURANDOT

Noisy crowds surround the ancient walls of the Imperial Palace in Peking. The people are agitated – they hear the mandarin’s voice once again, announcing an edict of the Celestial Emperor Altoum: “Any man who desires to wed his daughter, the beautiful princess Turandot, must answer her three riddles. If he fails he will be severely punished by death; his head will join the others, adorning the palace walls…” Many brave men have sacrificed their lives on the cruel-hearted Princess’s whim. But there’s no end to the stream of suitors; hearing of the dazzling beauty of the Emperor’s daughter, young men arrive to the city one-by-one and die… Come the first light of day, the most recent suitor – a young Persian Prince – is to be beheaded. The crowd livens. Any minute now, Turandot is expected to appear; that will mean the beginning of the execution. In the commotion, a blind old man is knocked off his feet. His companion, a young girl, cries for help. The guards pacify the crowd. Calaf, the captain of the guard, is surprised and rejoiced, when he recognises the old man as his father, the King of Tatary! Deposed from his throne by treacherous enemies, the poor old man has been wandering the foreign lands for several years. His only support until this day came from his faithful slave Liu. The girl greets Prince Calaf with excited deference – she has always loved the Prince… Calaf leads the Persian Prince to his execution. A giant idol is brought to the square – a symbol of Turandot, whose beauty blinds anyone who dares to look at her.

Calaf’s blistering condemnations peter out as soon as he casts a glance at Turandot – one glance is enough to be blinded by hear beauty. Old Timur and faithful Liu’s attempts to stop the prince from his suicidal idea are fruitless. The three emperor’s minsters – Ping, Pong and Pang – try to warn the foreign stranger of inevitable death, but in vain. Calaf is deaf to all pleas and remonstrations. He strikes the giant gong three times – this is the symbol of a new suitor for the princess’s love.

The spacious imperial square is filled with crowds once again. The Celestial Empire, the powerful Altoum sits on his throne. He warns the newcomer – it’s not too late to retract from the risky contest with Turandot. His council, the courtiers, and the people support the Imperator’s advice unanimously. The mandarin reminds Calaf again – one wrong answer, and there is no escaping the executioner’s sharp poleaxe. But the brave youth shouts out: Celestial Emperor, give the order to begin the test!

Turandot is gleefully anticipating yet another victory… and another execution. She hates all men, but especially – foreign men. The legend tells of ancient times, when a foreign conqueror has derogated honour from a Chinese princess of the same dynasty that the Princess belongs to. This terrible shame can only be washed away with blood, and therefore let the heads of reckless men fall! Young and proud, Turandot does not know the feeling of love…

What beckons a man so strongly each night, dies come morning, but comes back as a fiery flame the next evening? – She asks Calaf disdainfully. It is hope, that draws one to Turandot, he answers. And the wise men’s scrolls confirm – yes, hope. The young man’s second answer is also correct: What flickers red and warm like a flame, but is not fire? – Blood within the veins of a man in love with Turandot. The third riddle is the most difficult. What resembles ice but from fire freezes all the more? Calaf is silent for a long time. The imperator, his retinue, Timur and Liu, everyone present – they are all excited and nervous. Words of encouragement and support are heard… Secure of her victory, Turandot is ready to celebrate her triumph, but at the last moment the young man’s love steers him to the right answer: it’s her – Turandot! Happily, he adds that his passion will melt the ice in her heart.

Unnerved and unable to hide her fear, Turandot begs her father: may he cancel the edict and take back his promise, she doesn’t wish to be the wife of a stranger! But the emperor is adamant: the one who has risked his life and has solved the riddles shall marry his daughter. The people erupt with joy at his just words. Unexpectedly, to everyone’s astonishment, the winner waives his rights. Turandot is abhors the impending marriage? He shall not force her! He does not wish a princess disgraced by defeat to be his wife, but a woman who loves him sincerely. Let it be so: he will give her a riddle, and she will have to find the answer. Turandot must say his name before the sun rises. Not a soul in Peking, except for his father and the faithful slave, knows Calaf’s name. A long night is ahead of them. If Turandot succeeds in guessing his name – then he will forfeit his life … The Emperor accepts his terms.

The messengers proclaim Turandot’s command: on pain of death no one in Peking shall be allowed to sleep this night. Every citizen must do everything in their power to help the Palace learn the stranger’s name. If Turandot solves this mystery, another head will roll, come the morning. If not – her subjects will pay the price.

Calaf, Timur’s son is sure, she may only hear this name from him and no one else. Suddenly, three masks appear before the youth. These are the inseparable courtiers – Ping, Pang and Pong. They beg the stranger to leave – or thousands of citizens will be tortured and executed in the morning, shall the furious Turandot not find the answer to his riddle. The crowds repeat their request. But he is implacable; nothing can force him to reject his dream of being loved by Turandot. The old man and his companion are noticed in the crowd – they were seen talking to the unknown youth. Maybe they know his name? Yes – answers Liu bravely – she is the only one who knows his name, but no one and nothing will force her to say it. Does she know what pain, what cruel tortures she will be subjected to? – Suddenly Turandot emerges. Everyone is demanding that she speaks and saves them from the vengeful princess’s threats, but the girl stays silent. The executioner steps in. Calaf is chained and cannot to help her. Unable to take the suffering, Liu stabs herself. Turandot is astonished – why did the girl sacrifice herself? Because of love, she hears the answer.

Calaf’s father, Timur, also dies before his eyes. A funeral procession slowly leaves the square. Pure and perfect, the souls of Liu and Timur begin their eternal journey.

Turandot and Calaf are left alone. Far away, the horizon begins to redden. The morning is imminent. Suddenly, Calaf embraces Turandot. She kisses him back. The princess feels love for the first time. The joyous Calaf reveals his name to her. Turandot has won – the prince will be executed.