Composer

:

Antonio Vivaldi

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1724

Publication Date

:

1991

Average_duration

:

206:15

Giustino is an opera composed by Antonio Vivaldi in 1724. The libretto was written by Nicolò Beregan and is based on the story of the Byzantine emperor Justin I. The opera premiered on May 16, 1724, at the Teatro San Angelo in Venice. The plot of Giustino revolves around the life of the emperor Justin I, who is portrayed as a just and virtuous ruler. The story begins with Giustino, a shepherd, who is chosen by the emperor to lead his army against the invading barbarians. Giustino is successful in defeating the barbarians and is rewarded by the emperor with the hand of his daughter, Arianna. However, Giustino's happiness is short-lived as he is falsely accused of treason by his jealous rival, Amanzio. Giustino is imprisoned and sentenced to death, but he is saved by the intervention of the emperor's wife, Sophia. Giustino is then sent on a mission to rescue the emperor's son, Leontino, who has been kidnapped by the barbarians. Giustino successfully rescues Leontino and returns to the court, where he is once again falsely accused of treason by Amanzio. However, Giustino is able to prove his innocence and is finally reunited with Arianna. The music of Giustino is characterized by Vivaldi's signature style of virtuosic instrumental writing and vocal pyrotechnics. The opera features a number of memorable arias, including "Vedro con mio diletto" and "Sento in seno ch'in pioggia di lagrime." Giustino is divided into three acts and features a total of 32 musical numbers. The opera was well-received at its premiere and was subsequently performed throughout Italy and Europe. Today, Giustino is considered one of Vivaldi's most important operas and is regularly performed by opera companies around the world.

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