Composer

:

Giovanni Pergolesi

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

First Performance

:

Jan 2002Jan 1732

Movement_count

:

30

Movement ....

Salustia is an opera seria in three acts composed by Giovanni Pergolesi. The opera was composed in 1732, and it premiered on January 16, 1732, at the Teatro San Bartolomeo in Naples. The libretto was written by Apostolo Zeno, and it tells the story of Salustia, the daughter of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who is in love with the Roman general Avidio. The first act of the opera opens with Salustia expressing her love for Avidio, who is away at war. She is interrupted by her father, who informs her that he has arranged for her to marry the Roman senator Bassiano. Salustia is devastated by this news and vows to never marry anyone but Avidio. Meanwhile, Avidio returns from war and is greeted by his friend, the Roman senator Lelio. Lelio informs Avidio of Salustia's impending marriage and advises him to leave Rome to avoid any trouble. In the second act, Salustia confronts her father about her arranged marriage and tells him that she will not marry Bassiano. Marcus Aurelius is furious and orders Salustia to marry Bassiano or face exile. Salustia refuses and is banished from Rome. Avidio returns to Rome and learns of Salustia's banishment. He decides to confront Marcus Aurelius and plead for Salustia's forgiveness. In the final act, Avidio confronts Marcus Aurelius and begs for Salustia's forgiveness. Marcus Aurelius is moved by Avidio's sincerity and agrees to forgive Salustia and allow her to return to Rome. Salustia and Avidio are reunited, and the opera ends with a joyful duet between the two lovers. Salustia is characterized by its beautiful melodies, expressive recitatives, and dramatic arias. Pergolesi's music perfectly captures the emotional intensity of the story, and the opera is considered one of his finest works. The opera was a great success at its premiere, and it remains a popular work in the operatic repertoire.

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