Act 1 - The duel

Ferrando tells his soldiers the story of a gypsy who was burned at the stake for having bewitched the younger of the two sons of the old Count di Luna. Soon thereafter, the gypsy’s daughter abducted the child out of vengeance and its charred remains were discovered on the very spot where her mother had been tortured to death. Ferrando has not yet found the gypsy’s daughter but he is certain that he will be able to recognise her in spite of all the years that have passed.

It is evening and Leonora awaits her lover, the troubadour Manrico. She tells Ines, her confidante, how she met him. Ines advises Leonora to forget Manrico. The present Count di Luna, who is also enamoured of Leonora, approaches, having finally decided to declare his love for her. Just then, the melodious voice of Manrico is heard. Fooled by the darkness, Leonora rushes towards the Count, but she soon realises her mistake when Manrico appears. Furious, the Count regards the singer not just as a rival, but also as a political adversary. Their dispute will be settled by a duel.

Act 2 - The gypsy woman

In their camp, the gypsies prepare for their day. The sight of the flames reminds Azucena of her mother burning at the stake. Even though Manrico emerged victorious from the duel with the Count di Luna, he left the latter alive in order to confront him in armed combat later. Left for dead on the battlefield, he was nursed back to health by his mother Azucena. The gypsy recounts how her mother was consumed by the flames and how, out of vengeance, and in a moment of mental confusion, she threw her own son into the flames and not the Count’s child. Manrico asks her: if he is not her son, then who is he in reality?

Azucena composes herself and manages to reassure him. A messenger arrives with news that Leonora, believing Manrico to be dead, is about to enter a convent. Manrico races to her side to prevent her from doing so. The Count di Luna, who has also learned of Leonora’s intentions, decides to abduct her but Manrico gets there first and the two lovers escape together.

Act 3 - The gypsy woman's son

The Count di Luna’s soldiers prepare to attack Manrico and Leonora’s hiding place. The Count fears that he has lost Leonora to his rival forever. Azucena, who has come in search of Manrico, is arrested near the lovers’ refuge and is accused of spying.

Ferrando recognises her as the woman who abducted the brother of the young Count several years earlier. When she calls on Manrico, her presumed son, for help, Luna also realises that she is the mother of his enemy and he sentences her to death. Manrico and Leonora prepare to marry in secret. Ruiz, Manrico’s friend, arrives and informs them that Azucena has been imprisoned. Manrico calls on his friends to help him free the gypsy woman whom he believes to be his mother.

Act 4 - The punishment

Manrico’s attempts to free his mother have failed. He and Azucena are now imprisoned at the mercy of the Count di Luna and are to be executed at dawn. Leonora, who nevertheless managed to escape, persuades Ruiz to take her to the prison where Manrico and his mother are to be executed the following morning at dawn. She begs the Count di Luna to spare Manrico and is even ready to give herself to him in exchange. The Count accepts the offer.

However, in order to avoid keeping her promise, she secretly swallowsa poison. Leonora reaches the prison. She tries to convince Manrico to flee without her. Believing he has been betrayed, Manrico curses his beloved. However, when the poison starts to take effect, he realises that she has sacrificed herself out of love for him. The Count di Luna, who has been listening to everything, realises that Leonora has deceived him. He orders the immediate execution of Manrico and forces Azucena to witness the death of her presumed son, after which the gypsy reveals the terrible truth to the Count: Manrico was his brother.