The story of La Forza del Destino is one of Verdi’s most improbable, but it is set to music that is among his most irresistibly beautiful. Leanora and Alvaro plan to elope, but they are both party to her disapproving father being accidentally shot and killed. She flees to a monastery and then to a cave to lead a life of remorse and devotion to God.
But her brother Carlo wants revenge on Leanora and her lover for their father's death, and makes that revenge his mission in life. Fate brings the three back together outside of Leanora’s cave and Carlo and Alvaro duel. Carlo is wounded. Leanora rushes to comfort her brother and he stabs her and kills her and then dies himself. Alvaro kills himself cursing the forces of destiny but Leanora promises him God's forgiveness before she dies.
Mirella Freni and Placido Domingo head the cast, and Ricardo Muti conducts the Milan Teatro alla Scala Orchestra and chorus.