Composer

:

Antonio Vivaldi

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1719

First Performance

:

1719

Average_duration

:

203:52

Tito Manlio (I) is an opera composed by Antonio Vivaldi in 1719. The plot revolves around the conflict between Tito Manlio, the Roman consul, and his son, Geminio, who has been captured by the enemy Latins. Tito Manlio must choose between his duty to Rome and his love for his son, as well as navigate the political machinations of his fellow senators. The opera premiered on May 11, 1719, at the Teatro Sant'Angelo in Venice. It consists of three acts and features a libretto by Matteo Noris. The music is characterized by Vivaldi's signature virtuosic instrumental writing and expressive vocal melodies. The first movement of the opera sets the scene with a chorus of Roman soldiers celebrating their recent victory over the Latins. Tito Manlio enters and is hailed as a hero, but his joy is short-lived when he learns that his son has been captured by the enemy. The second movement features a duet between Tito Manlio and his wife, Vitellia, as they lament their son's fate and struggle with their conflicting loyalties. The third movement introduces the character of Geminio, who is being held captive by the Latin general, Vitiges. Geminio sings a poignant aria expressing his longing for freedom and his despair at being separated from his family. The fourth movement features a confrontation between Tito Manlio and Vitiges, as the Roman consul tries to negotiate his son's release. The fifth movement is a show-stopping aria for the character of Servilia, a Roman noblewoman who is in love with Geminio. She sings of her devotion to him and her willingness to risk everything to save him. The sixth movement features a tense duet between Tito Manlio and Vitiges, as they engage in a battle of wills over the fate of Geminio. The final movement of the opera is a triumphant chorus celebrating the ultimate victory of Rome over the Latins. Tito Manlio is hailed as a hero once again, but the emotional toll of the conflict is evident in his weary demeanor. The opera ends on a bittersweet note, with Tito Manlio and his family reunited but forever changed by the events of the story. Overall, Tito Manlio (I) is a powerful and emotionally charged opera that showcases Vivaldi's skill as a composer of both instrumental and vocal music. Its themes of duty, loyalty, and family resonate with audiences to this day, making it a timeless masterpiece of the Baroque era.

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