Composer

:

Johann Adolf Hasse

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1762

Il Trionfo di Clelia is an opera seria in three acts composed by Johann Adolf Hasse. The libretto was written by Pietro Metastasio and the opera was first performed on January 14, 1762, at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. The plot of the opera revolves around the Roman consul Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, who has been overthrown and exiled from Rome. He seeks refuge in the Etruscan city of Clusium, where he falls in love with Clelia, the daughter of the city's ruler. Clelia is engaged to another man, but she is also attracted to Tarquinius. Meanwhile, Tarquinius' son, Sextus, arrives in Clusium and also falls in love with Clelia. The two men compete for Clelia's affections, but in the end, she chooses Sextus. The opera is characterized by its beautiful arias and duets, which showcase the vocal talents of the singers. The music is typical of the opera seria style, with arias that are structured in a da capo form and accompanied by a small orchestra. The music is also notable for its use of recitative, which is used to advance the plot and convey the characters' emotions. Il Trionfo di Clelia is divided into three acts, each of which is comprised of several scenes. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the love triangle between Tarquinius, Clelia, and Sextus. The second act features a series of confrontations between the characters, as Tarquinius and Sextus compete for Clelia's love. The third act resolves the conflict, as Clelia chooses Sextus and Tarquinius is forced to leave Clusium. The premiere of Il Trionfo di Clelia was a great success, and the opera was performed throughout Europe in the years that followed. The opera's popularity was due in part to the beautiful music, but also to the timeless themes of love and betrayal that are at the heart of the story. Today, Il Trionfo di Clelia is considered one of Hasse's greatest works, and it continues to be performed by opera companies around the world.

More....