Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

1690

Average_duration

:

15:53

Movement_count

:

15

Movement ....

Amphitryon, or, the Two Sosias, Z. 572 is a semi-opera composed by Henry Purcell in 1690. It was first performed at the Theatre Royal in London on January 13, 1691. The libretto was written by John Dryden, based on the play Amphitryon by Plautus. The semi-opera consists of a prologue, three acts, and an epilogue. The prologue is a spoken introduction, delivered by the actor Thomas Betterton, which sets the scene for the performance. The three acts are divided into various musical and spoken scenes, with the music ranging from solo songs to full choruses. The epilogue is a spoken conclusion, delivered by the actress Elizabeth Barry. The plot of Amphitryon revolves around the Greek myth of Amphitryon, a Theban general, and his wife Alcmena. Jupiter, the king of the gods, takes on the form of Amphitryon and seduces Alcmena, resulting in the birth of Hercules. The play also features the character of Sosia, Amphitryon's servant, who is mistaken for his master by Mercury, the messenger of the gods. Purcell's music for Amphitryon is characterized by its variety and complexity. The score includes a wide range of musical styles, from Italianate arias to English ballads, and features intricate choral writing and instrumental interludes. The music is also notable for its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which add to the dramatic tension of the piece. Overall, Amphitryon, or, the Two Sosias, Z. 572 is a masterful example of Purcell's skill as a composer of semi-operas. Its combination of spoken dialogue and musical numbers creates a rich and engaging theatrical experience, while its complex score showcases Purcell's mastery of a wide range of musical styles and techniques.

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