Composer

:

Niccolò Jommelli

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1770

Average_duration

:

181:27

Armida Abbondonata is an opera seria in three acts composed by Niccolò Jommelli. The opera was first performed in Stuttgart on February 2, 1770. The libretto was written by Mattia Verazi and is based on the story of Armida from Tasso's epic poem Gerusalemme Liberata. The plot of the opera revolves around the sorceress Armida, who falls in love with the Christian knight Rinaldo. Armida is torn between her love for Rinaldo and her duty to her people, who are at war with the Christians. Rinaldo, on the other hand, is torn between his love for Armida and his duty to his fellow Christians. The first act opens with Armida summoning her spirits to help her win the love of Rinaldo. She sings a beautiful aria, "Ah! Ti sento, mio cor," expressing her love for Rinaldo. Rinaldo, who is on a mission to rescue his fellow Christians, is captured by Armida and brought to her palace. Armida tries to seduce Rinaldo, but he resists her advances. In the second act, Armida uses her magic to create a beautiful garden to try to win Rinaldo's love. Rinaldo is enchanted by the garden and begins to fall in love with Armida. However, he is reminded of his duty to his fellow Christians and decides to leave Armida's palace. The third act opens with Armida summoning her spirits to help her win back Rinaldo's love. She sings a powerful aria, "Furie terribili," expressing her anger and frustration. Rinaldo returns to Armida's palace, but he is still torn between his love for Armida and his duty to his fellow Christians. In the end, Rinaldo decides to leave Armida and return to his fellow Christians. Armida Abbondonata is characterized by its beautiful arias and duets, which showcase Jommelli's skill as a composer. The opera also features a number of impressive choruses, which add to the drama and spectacle of the production. Overall, Armida Abbondonata is a powerful and moving opera that explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice.

More....