Composer

:

Reinhard Keiser

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1697

Average_duration

:

216:30

"Der geliebte Adonis" is an opera composed by Reinhard Keiser in 1715. The plot revolves around the Greek myth of Adonis, a handsome young man who is loved by both the goddess Aphrodite and the mortal woman, Myrrha. The opera is divided into three acts and features a libretto by Johann Ulrich König. The first act opens with a chorus of nymphs and shepherds celebrating the arrival of spring. Adonis, who is hunting in the nearby woods, joins in the festivities and sings of his love for nature. Aphrodite, who has been watching him from afar, appears and declares her love for him. Adonis, however, is not interested in her and instead declares his love for Myrrha. In the second act, Myrrha is introduced and sings of her love for Adonis. She is visited by her nurse, who warns her of the dangers of loving a god. Meanwhile, Aphrodite enlists the help of her son, Cupid, to make Adonis fall in love with her. Cupid shoots Adonis with an arrow, causing him to fall in love with Aphrodite. The final act sees Adonis torn between his love for Aphrodite and Myrrha. He ultimately chooses Myrrha, but is killed by a wild boar while hunting. The opera ends with a lament from Myrrha and a chorus mourning the loss of Adonis. "Der geliebte Adonis" premiered in Hamburg in 1715 and was well-received by audiences. The opera features a number of notable characteristics, including Keiser's use of recitative and aria to convey the emotions of the characters. The music is also notable for its use of pastoral themes and motifs, which were popular in Baroque opera. Overall, "Der geliebte Adonis" is a compelling opera that explores themes of love, jealousy, and mortality through the lens of Greek mythology. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Keiser's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of the Baroque era.

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