Led by Guido de Montforte the French have conquered Sicíly, executed Duke Frederick of Austria who was the brother of Elena, and established a reign of terror. Their daily humiliation has thrown the Sicilians into despondency and despair. 

Act 1 

In a square in Palermo the occupying French are drinking boisterously, while the Sicilians in their profound dejection long for revenge. When the Duchess Elena appears, mourning her brother, the French soldiers try to force her to entertain them by singing a song. Instead, she addresses her stirring words to the Sicilians. She has almost caused an uprising to break out, when the surprise arrival of Montforte prevents it, and the crowd disperse. Elena and her companions Ninetta and Danieli lament the cowardice of their compatriots, while Montforte sings coolly of his power. Suddenly Arrigo appears. He had been imprisoned as an insurgent, but Monforte has now granted him a reprieve. In spite of this, the young Sicilian continues to view the governor as his greatest enemy, even though so far he has never met him. When Montforte reveals his identity, a dialogue ensues between them, which greatly disturb Arrigo. Montforte first enquires about the young man's family, and then suggests he join his soldiers, eventually forbidding him to have any connection with Elena. Arrigo, who has so far concealed his love for the duchess, hotly rebuffs Monforte's admonitions.  

Act 2 

Procida, leader of Sicily's liberation movement, returns home after a long journey during which he has visited many countries seeking support for his beloved country. Sicilian conspirators gather round him and vow to seek revenge on the French. Having learned of Procida's return, Arrigo and Elena arrive. Procida asks both of them to assist in preparing for an uprising, without which there can be no support from Byzantium and Aragon. Arrigo declares his love to Elena. As a condition of her reciprocal love she tells Arrigo to revenge the death of her brother. Bethune arrives and hands Arrigo an invitation from Montforte to a ball. When Arrigo refuses to accept it, Bethune and his companions forcibly take him away. Procida instigates among the French soldiers that when the procession arrives of Sicilian young couples going to be married, they should carry off the fiancées. This defilement of the fiancées rallies the Sicilian men together, at which moment the French pass in festive procession on their way to Monforte's ball. Procida and Elena together with the Sicilians make a resolution: they will murder the governor at the ball. 

Act 3 

Montforte learns in a letter from Arrigo's mother written before she died that he is Arrigo's father. The governor dreams of a happy future with his son. He is convinced that he will be able to win his former enemy over to his side - and to that of the French. Arrigo does not understand why he is being treated in the governor's palace with so much attention - which is at De Montfort's instructions. Montforte shows his son his mother's letter, and reveals that he is his father. Arrigo is shocked and disturbed by the news, as he cannot and will not accept that his sworn enemy is his own father. Monforte pleads with him earnestly, but Arrigo refuses to show any filial devotion. At the ball Procida and Elena steal up to Arrigo and let him in on the conspiracy against Montforte. Arrigo is thrown into a serious crisis of conscience, and at the last minute causes the assassination attempt on his father to fail. Monforte has the assassins arrested and condemns them to death. The desperate Arrigo's betrayal of his friends produces contempt among the Sicilians and rejoicing among the French. 

Act 4 

Arrigo visits the prison to explain his betrayal to Elena and Procida. Elena is profoundly moved by the news that Monforte is Arrigo's father, and forgives him for what he did. She confesses that she was more afraid of losing his love than she is of her approaching death. They embrace each other happily. Procida learns that Aragon is offering assistance, and is thrown into despair that inside the prison walls he cannot pass on the news. Montforte arrives and issues orders for the execution to be carried out. Arrigo begs him to spare his friends. Monforte offers them mercy, if Arrigo will call him Father. Elena angrily rejects the idea. The execution squad enters. Procida and Elena wait courageously for the death which they must suffer for their homeland. At the last minute with a cry of Father! Arrigo prevents the execution. Overjoyed, Monforte not only grants them a reprieve, he gives his blessing for Arrigo and Elena to marry. He hopes by this to bring the hostile peoples closer together. The French and Sicilians fill the stage, feeling the approach of peace, while Procida hatches further plans for revenge. 

Act 5 

The day of the wedding of Elena and Arrigo dawns. While Procida and his fellow conspirators prepare for the uprising, Elena happily celebrates with the people her approaching wedding. Procida confides to Elena that the sign for the bloody uprising will be the tolling of the wedding bells. Elena falls into a panic, as she is unable to choose between her love for Arrigo, and her loyalty to her country. Elena's troubled behaviour shocks Arrigo, who is looking forward joyfully to the wedding. After a lengthy struggle Elena tells Arrigo she cannot marry him. In order not to give away Procida, Elena is silent about the real reason; she gives as her excuse the death of her beloved brother, which still stands between them. Montforte learns from Arrigo that Elena does not want to marry him. However, against their will, the governor orders the wedding to take place. Elena tries in vain for the last time to warn him: the tolling of the wedding bells will mean death and destruction for all of them. 

  Matthias von Stegmann