Œuvres complètes de lord Byron, Tome 08

Set against the opulent yet oppressive backdrop of the Venetian Doge’s palace, this early‑19th‑century drama plunges listeners into a world of political intrigue and familial tragedy. The story opens with two powerful senators, Lorédano and Barbarigo, debating the fate of the imprisoned Foscari family—father and son—while the city’s ancient customs clash with personal vendettas. Their sharp dialogue reveals a court teetering between justice and vengeance, hinting at the heavy price of power.

As the tension builds, the audience meets Marina, the devoted wife of the younger Foscari, whose quiet strength contrasts starkly with the cold machinations of the patricians. Byron’s language captures the grandeur of Venice and the relentless tide of suspicion that threatens to engulf everyone involved. The first act sets the stage for a gripping exploration of loyalty, honor, and the corrosive effects of political ambition, inviting listeners to linger in the haunting echo of a city where every decision carries a fatal weight.