DCCIV. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus: Ascanio in Alba, K. 111

DCCIV. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)

Ascanio in Alba, K. 111 (1771)
Iris Kupke, Venus
Sonia Prina, Ascanio, her son
Marie-Belle Sandis, Silvia
Charles Reid, Aceste
Diana Damrau, Fauno
Chor des Nationaltheaters Mannheim
Orchester des Nationaltheaters Mannheim
Adam Fischer, cond.
(1:46:39)

See here for the story of how the Empress Maria Theresa tried to gaslight her son, Ferdinand regarding the Mozart family.

Now -- three years later; Mozart is now 15 -- Ferdinand is getting married to the Princess Maria Beatrice d'Este of Modena. She apparently enjoyed Mozart's music as much as her fiancée, and Theresa was presumably in no position to deny Mozart a commission to write some happy, pastoral music for the occasion of the wedding, which took place in Milan on October 15, 1771. The opera -- libretto by Giuseppe Parini -- took place two days later.

Mozart dashed it off in three weeks or so, saving himself some time by writing choruses which could be repeated as hellos and goodbyes.

Not his finest work -- but hey, it's still Mozart!

Overture

PART ONE

No. 1 Orchestra: Andante grazioso

No. 2 Chorus: Di te piú amabile, né Dea maggiore (Chorus)

Welcoming chorus for the goddess Venus.

No. 3 Aria: "ombra de' rami tuoi (Venus)

Venus explains to her son, Ascanio, that he is to rule in her place in Alba. That very day he will be wedded to Silvia, a nymph descended from Hercules. Ascanio expresses his concern that, as Silvia does not yet know him, she will not love him. But Venus puts her son's mind at rest: for four years now Cupid has taken on the shape of Ascanio and appeared in Silvia's dreams, thus winning her heart for him without her knowing who he is. However, Ascanio is not reveal his identity yet: he may speak to Silvia and convince himself of her charm and virtue but not say who he is. Only in this way will be recognize her purity.

No. 4 Chorus: Di te piú amabile, né Dea maggiore (Chorus)

The chorus bid farewell to the departing goddess with the same words with which they greeted her.

No. 5 Aria: Cara, lontano ancora (Ascanio)

Ascanio remains. Although he does not understand the reason for his mother's command, he will submit to her will. He expresses his longing for his beloved bride.

No. 6/7 Chorus: Venga, de' sommi eroi (Chorus)

The shepherds enter and call for their promised ruler, Ascanio, who is standing to one side, observing them. Ascanio claims to be a stranger enthralled by the marvels of the country.

No. 8 Aria: Se il labbro piú non dice (Fauno)

Ascanio can scarcely control his feelings for Silvia. Fauno, however, warns the stranger to respect her virtue.

No. 9 Chorus: Hai di Diana il core (Chorus)

The shepherds acclaim the beauty and purity of the nymph Silvia.

No. 12 Aria: Per la gioia in questo seno (Aceste)

Aceste expresses his joy at the good fortune with which the country is to be blessed.

No. 13 Cavatina: Si, ma d'un altro amore (Silvia)

No. 14 Aria: Come è felice stato (Silvia)

Aceste informs Silvia that she will be united with Ascanio that very day. He also proclaims that a new city will arise and that the shepherds' humble cottages will be replaced by high walls and palaces. Silvia, however, is greatly distressed. She reveals to Aceste that for a long time now she has carried in her heart the picture of a young man she loves. But Aceste comforts her: without a doubt the young of her dreams is none other than Ascanio. Reassured by Aceste's words, Silvia feels great joy.

No. 16 Aria: Ah di si nobil alma (Ascanio)

Ascanio is overcome by the beauty and purity of his bride.

No. 17 Aria: Al chiaror di que' bel rai (Venus)

Venus arrives and promises Ascanio further proof of Silvia's great virtue: he need be patient only a little longer. Meanwhile the new city will rise in the valley.

No. 18 Chorus: Di te piú amabile, né Dea maggiore

The shepherds pay homage to Venus.

PART TWO

No. 21 Aria: Dal tuo gentil sembiante

Fauno pays Ascanio compliments; his presence inspires reverence, and the girl who one day will be his wife will surely be happy.

No. 19 Aria: Spiega il desio, le piume (Silvia)

Silvia yearns for the moment when she can at last see her beloved.

Recitative: Oh ciel! Che miro? (Silvia, Ascanio)

Ascanio catches a glimpse of Silvia and approaches her. Silvia immediately recognizes Ascanio as the stranger from her dreams, yet is unaware that he is Ascanio, her bridegroom to be. The two lovers wish to approach each other yet do not dare to do so.

No. 22 Aria: Al mio ben mi veggio avanti (Ascanio)

Ascanio suspects what is on Silvia's mind but is not allowed to reveal his true identity.

No. 23 Aria: Infelici affetti miei (Silvia)

Silvia believes she has been betrayed and laments her fate to be destined for a man other than the one she loves. Only her divine ancestry and her virtue are still closer to her heart. She wants to and must live for Ascanio alone.

No. 28 Chorus: Scendi, celeste Venere (Chorus)

No. 29 Chorus: No, non possiamo vivere (Chorus)

No. 30 Chorus: Scendi, celeste Venere (Chorus)

Venus is invoked in a magnificent chorus. The shepherds consider themselves fortunate to live under her aegis. Venus is invoked once more and asked to bring Ascanio, which she does. Nothing now stands in the way of the lovers' happiness.

No. 31 Trio: Ah, caro sposo, oh Dio! (Silvia, Ascanio, Aceste)

No. 33 Chorus: Alma Dea, tutto il mondo governa (Chorus)

After their first shy encounter, Silvia and Ascanio, together with Aceste, praise the goddess once more, and the final chorus celebrates the joy of love.