Il Trovatore: Act III | Karajan, Cappuccilli, Domingo, Kabaivanska, Cossotto (Wiener Staatsoper 1978)

ACT III - THE GIPSY'S SON
Scene 1: Outside the fortress of Castellor
As the count lays siege to the fortress, which is under Manrico's command, Azucena is found wandering near the camp and brought to the count, accused of spying. Ferrando recognises her as the woman responsible for the death of the count's brother and in terror she cries to Manrico to save her. Realising that she is Manrico's mother, in addition to her crime, the count prepares to execute her.

Scene 2: Inside the fortress
Manrico and Leonora are preparing for their wedding when Ruiz brings the news that Azucena is about to be burnt at the stake. Manrico rushes off to rescue her, explaining to Leonora that his mother's claims outweigh hers.

ACT IV - THE EXECUTION
Scene 1: The Aliaferia palace
Ruiz brings Leonora to the tower where Manrico is imprisoned, having been captured in his vain attempt to save Azucena. Monks intone the miserere as Manrico laments that death is slow in coming. Leonora pleads with the count for Manrico's life, offering herself in exchange. As he joyfully accepts her bargain, she takes poison, intending to leave him only her dead body.

Scene 2: Inside the dungeon
Manrico soothes Azucena, who is terrified at the idea of fire, and she falls asleep comforted by the idea that they will soon return to their mountain home.

When Leonora tells Manrico that he is free, he suspects the price she has paid and upbraids her, realising only as she collapses at his feet, that she is dying to save him. The count appears as she breathes her last, and realising that he has been deceived, orders Manrico's immediate execution. Azucena wakes too late to prevent this, but is able to avenge her mother by telling the horrified count with her dying breath that he has just killed his brother.