Composer

:

Alessandro Scarlatti

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

First Performance

:

1705

Average_duration

:

111:15

Movement_count

:

54

Movement ....

Il Sedecia, re di Gerusalemme is an opera seria composed by Alessandro Scarlatti in 1705. The opera premiered in Rome at the Teatro Capranica on January 26, 1705. The libretto was written by Domenico Lalli and is based on the biblical story of King Zedekiah of Judah. The opera is divided into three acts and features a cast of six principal singers and a chorus. The first act sets the scene in Jerusalem, where King Sedecia is preparing for war against the Babylonians. The second act takes place in the Babylonian camp, where the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar is holding Sedecia captive. The final act takes place back in Jerusalem, where Sedecia is facing the consequences of his defeat. The music of Il Sedecia, re di Gerusalemme is characterized by Scarlatti's use of recitative and aria. The recitative is used to advance the plot and convey dialogue, while the arias are used to express the emotions of the characters. Scarlatti's music is also notable for its use of ornamentation and virtuosic vocal lines. The opera features several standout arias, including Sedecia's "Sì, sì, ch'io sento in petto" in Act I, which showcases Scarlatti's use of chromaticism and dissonance to convey the character's inner turmoil. Another notable aria is "Se l'empio fato" in Act III, which features a mournful melody and expressive use of ornamentation. Overall, Il Sedecia, re di Gerusalemme is a prime example of Scarlatti's skill as an opera composer. The opera's dramatic storyline and expressive music make it a compelling work that continues to be performed and appreciated today.

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