[1] The libretto is by Bretan, based on the poem "Scrisoarea III" (Letter III) by Mihai Eminescu,[2][3] inspired by the Battle of Rovine between Wallachia and the Ottoman Empire.
[4] The piece received its world premiere on 24 January 1935 at the Romanian Opera, Cluj,[1][2][5] where it was revived in 1987.
[6] The opera is scored[1] as follows: Mircea the Old's rule over Moldavia is threatened by the Ottoman sultan Baiazid.
Peace negotiations are fruitless: the sultan demands total surrender and Mircea vows to fight to the death.
[1] The opera ends as Mihail writes a letter to his wife, detailing the army's triumph and promising to return home.