Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1737

Average_duration

:

165:11

Movement_count

:

85

Movement ....

Faramondo is an opera composed by George Frederick Handel in 1738. The plot revolves around the conflict between two kingdoms, Cilicia and Faramondo, and the love story between Faramondo and Rosimonda, the daughter of the Cilician king. The opera is set in the 5th century AD and is based on a libretto by Apostolo Zeno. The opera premiered on January 3, 1738, at the King's Theatre in London. It was Handel's first opera to be performed at the King's Theatre, and it was well-received by the audience. The opera consists of three acts and is sung in Italian. The first act begins with the Cilician king, Gustavo, mourning the death of his son, Sveno. He blames Faramondo, the king of the neighboring kingdom, for his son's death and declares war on him. Meanwhile, Faramondo is in love with Rosimonda, Gustavo's daughter, and she reciprocates his feelings. However, their love is complicated by the ongoing war between their kingdoms. In the second act, Faramondo and his army are victorious in battle, and he captures Gustavo. Rosimonda pleads with Faramondo to spare her father's life, and he agrees on the condition that Gustavo allows him to marry Rosimonda. Gustavo agrees, but he secretly plans to kill Faramondo on their wedding day. The third act sees the wedding day arrive, and Gustavo attempts to carry out his plan. However, he is foiled by Faramondo's sister, Clotilde, who kills Gustavo before he can harm Faramondo. Faramondo and Rosimonda are finally able to marry, and the opera ends with a joyful chorus celebrating their union. Faramondo is known for its lively and energetic music, with Handel incorporating elements of French and Italian opera into his composition. The opera features several memorable arias, including Faramondo's "Sì, ch'io sento l'alma avvampar" and Rosimonda's "Combattuta da più venti." Overall, Faramondo is a compelling opera that combines drama, romance, and action into a thrilling story. Its premiere in 1738 was a success, and it remains a popular work in Handel's repertoire to this day.

More....