Composer

:

Domingo Miguel Bernabe Terradellas

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1751

"Seostri re d'Egitto" is an opera seria in three acts composed by Domingo Miguel Bernabe Terradellas. The opera was composed in the mid-18th century and premiered in Madrid in 1753. The libretto was written by Pietro Metastasio, a prominent Italian poet and librettist of the time. The plot of "Seostri re d'Egitto" revolves around the love triangle between the Egyptian king Seostri, his queen Nitocri, and the Greek princess Cleonice. Seostri is torn between his love for his queen and his desire for Cleonice, who is in love with him. Nitocri, who is aware of her husband's infidelity, plots to have Cleonice killed. However, Seostri discovers the plot and saves Cleonice, ultimately choosing her over his queen. The opera is characterized by its use of the da capo aria form, which was popular in the opera seria genre. The music is highly ornamented and showcases the vocal virtuosity of the singers. The orchestration is also notable, with the use of horns and trumpets to create a regal and majestic sound. "Seostri re d'Egitto" was well-received at its premiere and was performed throughout Europe in the following years. The opera is considered a prime example of the opera seria genre and showcases Terradellas' skill as a composer.

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