Verdi: Don Carlo Act IV-V | Scotto, Milnes, Troyanos, Moldoveanu - Levine (MET 1980)

ACT IV - Scene 1: The King's study in Madrid
The king broods that his wife has never loved him. In answer to his summons the grand inquisitor appears and Philip confides his suspicion that the prince is planning rebellion. They agree that he should be handed over to the Inquisition, but then the inquisitor demands that Posa be handed over as a far greater heretic. The king refuses, is denounced by the inquisitor, and then tries to make his peace with him, though resentful that the throne has to always give way to the church.

The queen rushes in demanding justice, as her jewel casket has been stolen. It has in fact been given to Philip, who orders her to open it. The portrait of Don Carlos is revealed and she defends this on the grounds that he had once been promised as her husband. When the king abuses her and accuses her of adultery, she faints and he calls for help. Eboli and Posa appear, the latter reproaching the king for his lack of self-control. When the two women are left alone, Eboli confesses that it was she who betrayed the queen, jealous because she too loved Carlos, but in vain. The queen pardons her, but when Eboli confesses that she has been the king's mistress, Elisabeth orders her either to a convent or to exile, leaving Eboli to curse the fatal gift of beauty which led to her downfall.

Scene 2: An underground prison
Posa visits Carlos in prison and tells him that the papers he took from Carlos have been found in his possession and have proved him to be the leader of the rebellion. Posa is shot by an officer of the Inquisition and dies happy that he has been able to preserve Carlos to save Flanders. He tells him that Elisabeth will explain everything to him the next day at the emperor's tomb.
Philip, accompanied by grandees, appears and offers Carlos back his sword, but he accuses his father of the murder of Posa, whose death the king also mourns. The people are threatening revolt unless the prince is set free. The king orders the gates to be opened and they surge in, but are subdued when the grand inquisitor orders them to kneel before their king.

ACT V - The tomb of Charles V at San Yuste
Elisabeth kneels in prayer at the tomb of Charles V. She remembers happier days in France, and prepares to see Carlos for the last time. When he arrives he declares that honor has vanquished love and that he is ready to go to Flanders. They promise to meet in a better world, but their farewell is interrupted by the king, with the grand inquisitor and officers of the Inquisition.
Carlos draws his sword to defend himself but is suddenly drawn into the monastery by the mysterious monk, his disguise thrown off, now revealed as the emperor.