CDLXXXVa. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)
1777, unknown painter
Synopsis
The nineteen-year-old Mozart was at the height of his creative powers. The libretto -- by Pietro Metastasio -- has the usual quartet of troubled lovers, but the theme of love and/or kingship is a powerful metaphor about life choices.
The nineteen-year-old Mozart was at the height of his creative powers. The libretto -- by Pietro Metastasio -- has the usual quartet of troubled lovers, but the theme of love and/or kingship is a powerful metaphor about life choices.
Act One
1. Overture
1. Overture
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The shepherd Aminta (the male role is played by a woman soprano, as was often the case), who abhors the noise and bustle of the town, sits outside his cottage and asks the stream what the future will bring.
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3. (Aminta, Elisa) Recitative: Bella Elisa? Idol mio?
4. (Elisa) Aria: Alla selva, al prato, al fonte
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3. (Aminta, Elisa) Recitative: Bella Elisa? Idol mio?
4. (Elisa) Aria: Alla selva, al prato, al fonte
Aminta calls to his beloved, the shepherdess Elisa, who is able to calm his anxieties that danger may threaten from the war being waged nearby. Though Alexander, the mighty ruler of Macedonia, has liberated the city of Sidon from the usurping tyrant Strato, he does not want to claim power for himself. When Aminta asks who is to rule over the land as king in his place, Elisa replies that Alexander is looking for the rightful successor to the throne. This successor, son of the former king of Sidon, is living amongst the common people, unrecognized and unaware of his calling. Aminta confesses to Elisa his fears that his simple life and thus his love for her cannot satisfy her, since she is descended from Cadmos and has left her parents' home for his sake. Elisa assures Aminta of her unswerving affection and love, which has lasted since her childhood. Before she leaves in order finally to procure her parents' consent to marry, she happily promises Aminta that soon nothing more will separate them.
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5. (Agenore, Alexander, Aminta) Recitative: Ecco il pastor
6. (Aminta) Aria: Aer tranquillo e di sereni
Alexander and his adviser Agenore watch Aminta as he extols the happiness of his simple life and his love for Elisa.
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7. (Agenore, Alexander) Recitative: Or che dici, Alessandro?
8. (Alexander) Aria: Si spande al sole in faccia
Alexander, struck by the shepherd Aminta's manner and character and recognizing him as the rightful heir to the throne of Sidon, is determined to make him king.
8. (Alexander) Aria: Si spande al sole in faccia
Alexander, struck by the shepherd Aminta's manner and character and recognizing him as the rightful heir to the throne of Sidon, is determined to make him king.
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9. (Tamiri, Agenore) Recitative: Agenore? T'arresta
10. (Agenore) Aria: Per me rispondete
Agenore recognizes a comely shepherdess as his beloved Tamiri, the deposed tyrant Strato's daughter, who is in hiding from Alexander with Elisa. Agenore tries to persuade Tamiri that under Alexander clemency and justice prevail and that he himself wants to bring her to him. Tamiri refuses, however, and Agenore once more declares his love for her.
10. (Agenore) Aria: Per me rispondete
Agenore recognizes a comely shepherdess as his beloved Tamiri, the deposed tyrant Strato's daughter, who is in hiding from Alexander with Elisa. Agenore tries to persuade Tamiri that under Alexander clemency and justice prevail and that he himself wants to bring her to him. Tamiri refuses, however, and Agenore once more declares his love for her.
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11. (Tamiri) Recitative: No: voi non siete, o Dei
12. (Tamiri) Aria: Di tante sue procelle
12. (Tamiri) Aria: Di tante sue procelle
Tamiri bemoans her fate but is sure in herself that Agenore's love will give her strength.
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13. (Aminta, Elisa, Agenore) Recitative: Dove t'affretti, Elisa?
Elisa comes to find Aminta and happily tells him her parents have agreed to their wedding. Agenore wants to pay homage to Aminta as the rightful king of Sidon but Aminta thinks he is being mocked and rejects the homage. Then Agenore explains to him that he is Abdolonymus, the son of the king overthrown by the tyrant; he had been put in his care as a child in order to grow up in safety. Now the time for secrecy is past, and Alexander wants to crown him king of Sidon.
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13. (Aminta, Elisa, Agenore) Recitative: Dove t'affretti, Elisa?
Elisa comes to find Aminta and happily tells him her parents have agreed to their wedding. Agenore wants to pay homage to Aminta as the rightful king of Sidon but Aminta thinks he is being mocked and rejects the homage. Then Agenore explains to him that he is Abdolonymus, the son of the king overthrown by the tyrant; he had been put in his care as a child in order to grow up in safety. Now the time for secrecy is past, and Alexander wants to crown him king of Sidon.
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14. (Aminta, Elisa) Accompanied Recitative: Perdona, Elisa
15. (Elisa, Aminta) Duet: Vanne a regnar, ben mio
Aminta is dismayed and does not want the crown, for he then would have to give Elisa up. Despite his reservations, Elisa urges him to accept this regal appointment. Greatly moved, Elisa and Aminta reaffirm their happiness in their deep love.
15. (Elisa, Aminta) Duet: Vanne a regnar, ben mio
Aminta is dismayed and does not want the crown, for he then would have to give Elisa up. Despite his reservations, Elisa urges him to accept this regal appointment. Greatly moved, Elisa and Aminta reaffirm their happiness in their deep love.
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