Rossini: Guglielmo Tell - Act II | Zancanaro, Merrit, Surjan, Studer - Muti, Ronconi (La Scala 1988)

ACT II - On the heights of Rütli, overlooking the Lake and the Cantons

A hunting party of ladies and gentlemen, accompanied by soldiers, hears the sound of the shepherds returning from the hills as night approaches. Hearing the Governor's horns, they too take their leave. Mathilde, however, lingers, believing she has glimpsed Arnold in the vicinity. She is, like Arnold, anguished by the love she feels for her rescuer, and contemplates it as she sings. Arnold appears, and each confesses to the other their desire for this meeting. In their duet, they recognise their mutual passion, but also the obstacles they face. Urging him to "return to the fields of glory", Mathilde assures him of the eventual acceptability of his suit, and leaves at the approach of Tell and Walter. They question Arnold as to why he loves Mathilde, a member of the oppressing Austrians. Arnold, offended by their spying, declares his intention to continue fighting for the Austrians, and thus gain glory, rather than liberty. However, when Walter tells him that Gesler has executed his father Melchthal, Arnold vows revenge.

As the three men affirm their dedication – "to independence or death" – they hear the sound of someone else approaching. It is the men of the canton of Unterwalden coming to join the fight, and describing their journey in a rather gentle refrain. In quick succession, they are joined by the men of Schwyz and Uri. The gathering is complete, and the tone and tempo of the finale rises as the men of the three cantons affirm their willingness to fight or die for the freedom of Switzerland. Plans are made to arm the cantons and to rise up when "the beacons of vengeance burn".

Act III: https://rumble.com/v68fec1-rossini-guglielmo-tell-act-ii-zancanaro-merrit-surjan-studer-muti-ronconi-l.html