Count Egmont and his beloved Klärchen only have a few moments of happiness. Her homeland, the Netherlands, is ruled by the occupying power of Spain, and the Duke of Alba is the representative of King Philip II of Spain. Egmont and Alba are opponents, and the Spaniard has obviously banned things like freedom and humanity from his approach in the exercise of his reign. Egmont feels committed to the rights of his people and is ready to give his life for the freedom of his fatherland.
—Ulf Kjell Gür