DXXXII. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)
At 15, Mozart composed his seventh opera. Based on a libretto by Metastasio, which was based on Cicero's book, Somnium Scipionis.
Originally, Mozart dedicated the work to his patron, Prince-Archbishop Sigismund von Schrattenbach, who died before it could be performed. He then re-dedicated it to Schrattenbach's successor, Count Colloredo. It was given a partial performance the next year, but is unlikely that it was ever performed in its entirety during Mozart's lifetime.
Both goddesses are coloratura soprani -- Mozart frequently demands high C's and D's from them both!
Overture
A spritely D Major leads to a calmer 3/4 section, which then leads directly into the first recitative:
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1. Aria (Scipio): Risolver non osa
Scipio, the Roman army commander, conqueror of Carthage, lies dreaming in the residence of King Massinissa. In his dream Fortune and Constancy appear and tell Scipio that he must choose between them. Scipio asks time to consider and laments the confusion and doubts in his mind which make him incapable of coming to a decision.
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2. Aria (Fortune): Lieve sono al par del vento
Constancy and Fortune declare themselves willing to reply to his questions. To begin with, Fortune describes the advantages of her changeability.
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3. Aria (Constancy): Cigli cha al sol si gira
Constancy, on the other hand, wafts the dreamer away to the Elysian fields. She points out to him, by comparison, the inadequacy of man, who is unable to perceive and understand the heavenly powers.
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4. Chorus (Chorus): Germe di cento erol
Scipio presses for further revelations. Constancy shows him the dwellers in Elysium. Among the dead heroes Scipio recognizes his father Aemilius and his adoptive grandfather Publius. The latter calms his feeling of alarm by saying that only their mortal bodies are dead -- their spirits are alive and immortal. Those who gave their lives for their fatherland have the most beautiful dwellings in Elysium. Publius urges Scipio to live a virtuous life if he wishes one day to be received among the immortal heroes.
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6. Aria (Aemilius): Voi colaggiù ridete
Fortune, impatient on account of Scipio's many questions, presses him to make his decision. Constancy, however, allows further questions, as only someone in possession of all the facts can choose correctly. Scipio turns to his father Aemilius, who glances down at the earth -- a tiny speck amid the innumerable stars of the firmament. He uses the simile of a weeping child whose troubles seem petty to adults, equally trifling do the worries of mankind appear to the blessed spirits.
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7. Aria (Publius): Quercia annosa su l'erte pendici
Scipio wants to stay in Elysium, but neither Constancy nor Fortune can fulfil this wish. Publius and Aemililus urge him to accept his earthly destiny and to do his duty for Rome. Publius compares the struggles to which mankind is subject with the storm which shakes an oak tree. The more leaves the tree loses, the firmer its roots become.
Scipio asks Publius to tell him which of the goddesses he should choose, but Publius replies that he will not rob Scipio of the "honour of choosing." Again, Fortune tries to persuade the hero that he will need good luck for his future. She claims that for those on whom she smiles the impossible can become possible, but that on the other hand her frown can bring disaster.
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9. Aria (Constancy): Blacheggia in mar lo scoglio
To Scipio's question whether there is no power greater than the whims of Fortune, Constancy compares her own qualities to the cliffs by the sea, which alone withstand all tempests.
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10. Aria (Scipio): Di che sei l'arbitra
Scipio decides against Fortune. He tells the goddess that she has no power over a fearless spirit and a noble heart.
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EPILOGUE
11. Aria (Soprano): Ah perché cercar degg'io
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12. Chorus (Chorus): Cento volte con lieto sembiante
In the final homage a solo soprano points the moral: the tale has been of Scipio but it is the prince to whom heartfelt love is due. There is no need to recount virtuous deeds of the past when virtue is on hand to be seen. The chorus join in the strains of homage.
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