Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1724

Average_duration

:

190:26

Movement_count

:

98

Movement ....

"Tamerlano" is an opera seria in three acts composed by George Frederick Handel. The libretto was written by Nicola Francesco Haym, based on the play "Tamerlano" by Agostino Piovene. The opera was composed in 1724 and premiered at the King's Theatre in London on October 31 of the same year. The plot of "Tamerlano" revolves around the historical figure of Tamerlane, a 14th-century Turco-Mongol conqueror, and his relationships with the Ottoman Sultan Bajazet and his daughter Asteria. Tamerlane has defeated Bajazet in battle and taken him prisoner, but he is also in love with Asteria, who is engaged to Andronico, a Greek prince. The opera explores the themes of love, power, and revenge, as the characters navigate their complex relationships and allegiances. The first act of the opera opens with a chorus of Tamerlane's soldiers celebrating their victory over Bajazet. Tamerlane enters and declares his love for Asteria, but she rejects him. Bajazet is brought in as a prisoner, and Tamerlane taunts him with his defeat. Andronico arrives and pleads with Tamerlane to spare Bajazet's life, but Tamerlane refuses. Asteria and Bajazet plot revenge against Tamerlane, while Andronico tries to convince Asteria to marry him instead. The second act begins with a duet between Asteria and Bajazet, in which they vow to kill Tamerlane. Andronico tries to convince Tamerlane to spare Bajazet's life again, but Tamerlane is unmoved. Asteria pretends to agree to marry Tamerlane, but secretly plans to kill him on their wedding night. Bajazet attempts to kill himself, but is stopped by Andronico. Tamerlane discovers Asteria's plot and confronts her, but she refuses to back down. The final act opens with a chorus of Tamerlane's soldiers preparing for the wedding. Bajazet and Asteria's plan to kill Tamerlane is foiled, and they are both captured. Tamerlane decides to spare Bajazet's life, but orders Asteria to be executed. Andronico intervenes and offers to marry Asteria instead, which Tamerlane agrees to. The opera ends with a chorus celebrating the union of Andronico and Asteria. "Tamerlano" is characterized by Handel's masterful use of vocal and instrumental music to convey the emotional depth of the characters and the drama of the plot. The opera features arias, duets, and choruses that showcase the virtuosity of the singers and the richness of the orchestration. The music is marked by Handel's signature style of melodic invention, harmonic complexity, and dramatic intensity. Overall, "Tamerlano" is a powerful and compelling opera that explores timeless themes of love, power, and revenge through the lens of historical drama. Its premiere in 1724 was a critical and commercial success, cementing Handel's reputation as one of the greatest composers of his time.

More....