Composer

:

Antonio Cesti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

First Performance

:

Jul 13, 1668

Il pomo d'oro is an opera in three acts composed by Antonio Cesti. The opera was first performed in Vienna in 1668. The libretto was written by Francesco Sbarra and is based on the myth of Atalanta and Hippomenes. The plot of the opera revolves around the goddess Venus, who is angry with the mortal world and decides to punish it by causing chaos and confusion. She sends her son, Cupid, to earth with a golden apple, which he is to give to the most beautiful woman he can find. The woman who receives the apple will be the one who is destined to marry the most powerful man in the world. The apple is eventually given to Atalanta, a beautiful and strong-willed woman who is determined to remain unmarried. She is pursued by a number of suitors, including Hippomenes, who is aided by Venus in his quest to win Atalanta's heart. Venus gives Hippomenes three golden apples, which he uses to distract Atalanta during their race. In the end, Hippomenes wins the race and Atalanta agrees to marry him. The opera is known for its beautiful arias and duets, as well as its intricate vocal and instrumental writing. The music is characterized by its use of elaborate ornamentation and virtuosic vocal lines. The opera also features a number of dance movements, which were popular in the Baroque era. Il pomo d'oro premiered in Vienna in 1668 and was an immediate success. It was later performed in other cities throughout Europe, including Rome, Paris, and London. The opera was also adapted for the stage in the 18th century, with new music and libretti. Overall, Il pomo d'oro is a beautiful and complex opera that showcases the talents of Antonio Cesti as a composer. Its intricate vocal and instrumental writing, as well as its use of dance movements, make it a masterpiece of the Baroque era.

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