A Knight at the Opera

Paul Morphy was 21 years old when visiting Paris in 1858, he was invited by the Duke of Brunswick to see the Opera “Norma”

But whilst seated in the Royal Box he played this chess game against both the Duke Karl and Count Isouard. Morphy, with his back to the stage, continually looking over his shoulder to follow the Opera, wrapped up this game in 17 moves!

Bellini-Norma-original cast-detail.jpg