Composer

:

Alessandro Scarlatti

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

First Performance

:

May 1, 1702

'Clori, Dorino e Amore' is an opera in three acts composed by Alessandro Scarlatti. It premiered on January 16, 1707, at the Teatro Capranica in Rome. The libretto was written by Domenico Lalli. The opera consists of three acts and is set in a pastoral landscape. The story revolves around the love triangle between Clori, Dorino, and Amore. Clori is in love with Dorino, but he is in love with Amore, who is actually the god of love in disguise. The plot thickens when Amore reveals his true identity and tries to win over Clori's heart. The first act opens with a chorus of shepherds and shepherdesses singing praises to the beauty of the countryside. Clori enters and sings a lament about her unrequited love for Dorino. Dorino then enters and sings a love song to Amore, who is disguised as a shepherd. Amore reveals his true identity to Dorino and tells him that he must choose between his love for Clori and his loyalty to Amore. The second act begins with a duet between Clori and Dorino, where Clori expresses her love for Dorino, but he remains distant. Amore then enters and sings a seductive aria to Clori, trying to win her over. Dorino becomes jealous and challenges Amore to a duel. However, Amore uses his powers to disarm Dorino and win the fight. The final act opens with a chorus of nymphs and shepherds celebrating the arrival of spring. Clori and Dorino reconcile, and Amore reveals that he was testing their love all along. The opera ends with a joyful chorus celebrating the power of love. Scarlatti's music for 'Clori, Dorino e Amore' is characterized by its lyrical melodies, expressive harmonies, and virtuosic vocal writing. The arias are particularly notable for their emotional depth and dramatic intensity. The orchestration is relatively simple, with a small ensemble of strings, oboes, and continuo. The opera also features several choruses, which provide a contrast to the solo arias and duets. Overall, 'Clori, Dorino e Amore' is a charming and engaging opera that showcases Scarlatti's skill as a composer of vocal music. Its pastoral setting and romantic plot make it a perfect example of the Baroque opera genre.

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