Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1783

Average_duration

:

126:51

Movement_count

:

28

Movement ....

Armida is an opera composed by Franz Joseph Haydn in 1783. The libretto was written by Giovanni de Gamerra, based on the epic poem "Jerusalem Delivered" by Torquato Tasso. The opera premiered on May 26, 1784, at the Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria. The plot of Armida revolves around the sorceress Armida, who falls in love with the Christian knight Rinaldo. Armida is torn between her love for Rinaldo and her duty to her people, who are at war with the Christians. She uses her magical powers to try to seduce Rinaldo and distract him from the war, but ultimately fails. Rinaldo remains loyal to his cause and his love for the Christian warrior woman, Goffredo. Armida is left alone and heartbroken. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own distinct musical style. The first act is characterized by lively, dance-like music, while the second act is more introspective and features arias that explore the characters' emotions. The third act is the most dramatic, with intense choral and orchestral passages. One of the most notable aspects of Armida is its use of orchestration. Haydn employs a wide range of instruments, including horns, trumpets, timpani, and strings, to create a rich and varied sound. The opera also features several ensemble pieces, including duets and trios, which showcase Haydn's skill at writing for multiple voices. Armida was well-received at its premiere and has since become one of Haydn's most popular operas. Its themes of love, duty, and betrayal continue to resonate with audiences today.

More....