Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1733

Average_duration

:

163:19

Movement_count

:

77

Movement ....

"Arianna in Creta" is an opera seria composed by George Frederick Handel in 1734. The plot revolves around the Greek myth of Ariadne, who is abandoned by her lover Theseus on the island of Crete. The opera is divided into three acts and features a libretto by Paolo Antonio Rolli. The premiere of "Arianna in Creta" took place on January 26, 1734, at the King's Theatre in London. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it quickly became one of Handel's most popular works. The first movement of the opera introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the drama to come. Arianna, the daughter of King Minos of Crete, is in love with Theseus, the Athenian prince who has come to Crete to slay the Minotaur. Theseus, however, is more interested in his mission than in Arianna, and he abandons her on the island after slaying the beast. The second movement of the opera focuses on Arianna's despair and her attempts to find a way off the island. She is aided by the god Bacchus, who falls in love with her and promises to help her escape. However, Arianna is torn between her love for Theseus and her growing feelings for Bacchus. The final movement of the opera sees Theseus return to Crete, where he is confronted by Arianna and Bacchus. The three engage in a dramatic confrontation, with Arianna ultimately choosing Bacchus over Theseus. One of the most notable characteristics of "Arianna in Creta" is its use of recitative and aria. Handel was a master of these forms, and he used them to great effect in this opera. The recitative passages are used to advance the plot and convey the characters' emotions, while the arias provide opportunities for the singers to showcase their vocal abilities. Overall, "Arianna in Creta" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Handel's skill as a composer and his ability to bring ancient myths to life on the operatic stage.

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