Messalina, 1900–1901, Part 2

The opera Messaline follows the sordid tale of the Roman Empress Messaline, who seduced the poet Harès. She soon tired of his devotion and transferred her affections to his brother, the handsome gladiator Hélion. Harès vowed revenge against his unfaithful lover. The final scene takes place in the imperial box at the Circus Maximus. Confronted by Hélion, Messaline confesses that she is the cause of his brother’s estrangement from him. Meanwhile, Harès has entered stealthily and attempts to kill Messaline, but he is struck down by Hélion. Realizing that he has murdered his brother, Hélion rushes to his death in the arena, where he is torn apart by lions. The Pearlman work illustrates the moment just before Harès attempts to assassinate Messaline.