Composer

:

Antonio Caldara

Genre

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1733

Demofoonte is an opera seria in three acts composed by Antonio Caldara. The libretto was written by Pietro Metastasio and was first performed in Vienna in 1733. The opera tells the story of Demofoonte, the king of Thrace, who is torn between his love for his wife, Creusa, and his duty to his people. Act I begins with Creusa and her sister, Dircea, mourning the absence of Demofoonte, who has gone to war. They are interrupted by the arrival of Timante, a prince who is in love with Creusa. Timante tells Creusa that Demofoonte has been killed in battle, but she refuses to believe him. Meanwhile, Demofoonte has been captured by the enemy and is being held prisoner. In Act II, Demofoonte is visited by his son, Cherinto, who has been sent to negotiate his release. Cherinto is successful, but Demofoonte is torn between his duty to his people and his love for Creusa. He decides to marry Dircea instead, but Creusa is heartbroken and decides to kill herself. Act III begins with Creusa's funeral. Demofoonte is overcome with grief and realizes that he still loves Creusa. He decides to abdicate the throne and live in exile with her. However, just as they are about to leave, Timante arrives with news that Demofoonte's people have revolted and are demanding his return. Demofoonte decides to return to Thrace and face his people, but he is unsure of their reaction. The music of Demofoonte is typical of Caldara's style, with arias that are both lyrical and dramatic. The opera is notable for its use of recitative, which is used to advance the plot and convey the characters' emotions. The vocal writing is demanding, with arias that require a wide range and virtuosic technique. Demofoonte was well-received at its premiere and was performed throughout Europe in the 18th century. However, it fell out of favor in the 19th century and was rarely performed until the 20th century. Today, it is considered one of Caldara's finest works and is occasionally performed in concert or in staged productions.

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