Composer

:

Giovanni Antonio Gianettini

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

"Medea in Atene" is an opera seria composed by Giovanni Antonio Gianettini. It premiered on January 26, 1743, at the Teatro Regio Ducal in Milan. The libretto was written by Apostolo Zeno and Pietro Pariati, based on the Greek myth of Medea. The opera consists of three acts and features a cast of six principal singers. The first act sets the scene in Athens, where Medea has fled after killing her own children in revenge against her husband, Jason. She seeks refuge with King Creon, who agrees to protect her in exchange for her help in defeating his enemies. However, Medea's true intentions are to seek revenge against Jason, who has abandoned her for a younger woman. The second act takes place in Jason's palace, where he is celebrating his marriage to Glauce. Medea appears disguised as a priestess of Hecate and offers Glauce a poisoned robe as a wedding gift. Glauce dies a painful death, and Medea reveals her true identity to Jason, threatening to kill their children if he does not leave his new wife and return to her. The final act sees Medea's plan come to fruition as she kills her own children and escapes in a chariot sent by her grandfather, the sun god Helios. The opera ends with the chorus lamenting the tragic events that have unfolded. "Medea in Atene" is characterized by its dramatic intensity and emotional depth. Gianettini's music is highly expressive, with arias and duets that convey the characters' inner turmoil and psychological states. The opera also features elaborate orchestration, with a variety of instruments used to create different moods and atmospheres. Overall, "Medea in Atene" is a powerful and moving work that explores themes of love, betrayal, and revenge. It remains a popular opera today, with productions staged around the world.

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