A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Ernani

ERNANI. Italian opera in 4 acts, by Verdi, founded on the Hernani of Victor Hugo; produced at Venice in March 1844. On its production at the Théâtre-Italien, Paris—Jan. 6, 1846—the libretto was altered in obedience to the wish of Victor Hugo. The personages were changed from Spaniards to Italians, and the name of the piece was altered to 'Il Proscritto.' In England Ernani was first played at Her Majesty's Theatre, March 8, 1845.