6.3K views · 585 reactions | A unique masterpiece  Beethoven's only opera, Fidelio, had its premiere on this day in 1805. The result of numerous rewrites, the opera caused the composer so much frustration that he vowed never to write another opera. The effort was worth it however, and you can watch The Royal Opera's staging on Royal Opera House Stream now. Sign up today and get the first month for just £1. ▶️ https://bit.ly/3OyVK8X | Royal Ballet And Opera | Facebook

While the sadistic prison governor Don Pizarro is away, the new guard Fidelio prevails upon his boss to allow the detainees one tiny luxury: a little bit of light before the sun sets. The gates of the detention center are flung open, and men, women and children tumble out into the warm glow of the sun. Mesmerized, they start to sing one of the opera's highlights: the Act I Prisoners' Chorus. "O welche Lust, in freier Luft den Atem leicht zu heben! Nur hier, nur hier ist Leben," the chorus sings.