Synopsis

When Belisario (baritone) returns to Byzantium in triumph with his victorious army, he asks the Emperor Giustiniano (bass) to liberate his prisoners, among whom is Alamiro (tenor), who has formed a strong attachment to his captor. Belisario's wife, Antonina (soprano), believing he is responsible for the death of their son, plans to denounce him to the Emperor. Belìsario is summoned to the Senate and condemned, on forged evidence, to be blinded and exiled. Outside Belisario's prison, Alamiro is so enraged to learn that Belisario has been sentenced to exile and blinded that he swears vengeance on Byzantium.

Belisario's daughter Irene (mezzo), disguised as a boy, comes to lead her father into exile. Later, Belisario and Irene hide in a cave at the sound of an approaching army and overhear Alamiro, who has allied himself with an army of Bulgars and Alani, said that he plans an assault on Byzantium. Belisario rushes out of hiding and accuses Alamiro of betrayal. Belisario's daughter, Irene recognizes him, by a cross on the young leader's neck, as her long-lost brother. Alamiro is overjoyed to see Belisario, and as a result of his reunion with his father and sister, he dissolves his alliance with the invaders and goes off with Belisario to prepare the defence of Byzantium. In the resulting victory, Belisario is fatally wounded. Antonina is overcome by remorse for having falsely accused her husband, and confesses her guilt to him before he dies. Belisario is a compact score with much to recommend it. The high points include an expansive larghetto to the first finale, Alamiro's stirring `Trema Bisanzio', the tenderly pathetic duet for Irene and her father at the prison gates, and Antonina's emotional aria-finale. It is one of the few Donizetti operas without the motif of romantic love.