TURANDOT

Any man who wishes to marry Turandot, the beautiful Princess of Peking, must correctly answer three riddles. If he fails, he will die. Timur, the deposed King of Tartary, arrives in Peking just as the Prince of Persia, having failed the test, is about to be executed. Timur is surprised to find his son, Calaf, in Peking; the two of them had fled separately when their kingdom was lost. Timur tells Prince Calaf that the servant girl Liù has cared tenderly for him during his time of exile. Liù tells the Prince that his own kind treatment of her inspired her care for Timur.

When Turandot arrives to preside over the execution of the Prince of Persia, Timur’s son is stunned by her beauty and determined to try the riddles. His father warns him that he is certain to fail and die like the others. Liù pleads with him, confessing her love, but the Prince is obsessed and will not be dissuaded.

The ministers of Peking prepare for the trial and whatever may follow—either a wedding or a funeral—as they remember all the other Princes who have faced Turandot’s riddles and failed. They lament their role in the kingdom’s cruel affairs and long for their homes, describing the beautiful landscapes they traded for the laws and books of the imperial court.

The Emperor gives the Prince leave to attempt Turandot’s riddles. Turandot explains that many years ago, her ancestress Princess Lo-u-ling was brutally assaulted and murdered by a man. As a result, Turandot has taken a two-fold vow: to avenge her ancestress and never to be possessed by any man.

When the Prince correctly answers Turandot’s riddles, no one is more astonished than the Princess herself. Turandot begs for the Emperor to save her from a fate she loathes, but he will not. Wishing Turandot’s love, not just her defeat, the Prince makes a counteroffer: if she can learn his name before dawn, he will surrender his life.

Turandot commands that no one must sleep until the Prince’s name is discovered. The quest seems hopeless until guards bring in Timur and Liù, noting that they were seen talking with the Prince earlier that evening. Liù steps forward and claims that while she knows the name, the old man knows nothing. Turandot orders Liù tortured, but she will not speak. Finally, fearing the increasing pain may cause her to utter his name, she kills herself. All are astonished at the show of selfless love, even Turandot.

The Prince challenges Turandot to end the bloodshed, but she insists that it is necessary to avenge Lo-u-ling. After he protests that it is madness to sacrifice the living for the dead, Turandot makes a confession: The assault she seeks to avenge is not only Lo-u-ling’s, but her own.

Calaf insists that life, not more death, will bring her peace. When Turandot dismisses his arguments, he places his life in her hands, telling her his name. After a moment of hesitation, Turandot chooses mercy. “I know the name of the Stranger,” she tells her people. “His name is Love.” Turandot orders a royal burial for Liù and commands the Executioner to put away his blade. All celebrate the dawn of a new order, ruled by Turandot, who is mercy, compassion, wisdom, and strength.

Synopsis by Washington National Opera