Composer

:

Attilio Ariosti

Genre

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1723

Coriolano is an opera composed by Attilio Ariosti, an Italian composer, and librettist, based on the play Coriolanus by William Shakespeare. The opera was composed in 1723 and premiered in London at the King's Theatre on February 6, 1723. The plot of the opera revolves around the Roman general Coriolanus, who is banished from Rome after he is accused of betraying his country. He seeks revenge against Rome and allies with the Volscians, Rome's enemy. However, his mother, Volumnia, convinces him to spare Rome and he is subsequently killed by the Volscians. The opera is divided into three acts and features arias, recitatives, and choruses. The music is characterized by its dramatic and emotional intensity, with Ariosti using dissonance and chromaticism to convey the tension and conflict in the story. The vocal writing is virtuosic, with the arias showcasing the singers' technical abilities. The first movement of the opera features a chorus of Roman citizens praising Coriolanus for his military victories. The second movement features a duet between Coriolanus and his wife, Virgilia, expressing their love for each other. The third movement features a confrontation between Coriolanus and the Roman senators, who accuse him of betraying Rome. The fourth movement features a trio between Coriolanus, his mother Volumnia, and his friend Aufidius, in which they discuss their plans for revenge against Rome. The final movement features a chorus mourning Coriolanus' death. Overall, Coriolano is a powerful and emotional opera that showcases Ariosti's skill as a composer. Its premiere was well-received, and it remained popular throughout the 18th century. Today, it is less frequently performed but is still considered an important work in the history of opera.

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