Composer

:

Alessandro Scarlatti

Genre

:

Choral

First Performance

:

September 12, 1704

Average_duration

:

2:58

"San Casimiro, Re di Pononia" is an opera in three acts composed by Alessandro Scarlatti. The opera premiered on March 4, 1705, at the Teatro San Bartolomeo in Naples, Italy. The libretto was written by Silvio Stampiglia. The opera tells the story of Saint Casimir, a prince of Poland who renounced his royal title to become a Jesuit priest. The plot revolves around the conflict between Casimir's religious devotion and his duty to his country. The first act opens with a chorus of Polish soldiers praising Casimir's bravery in battle. Casimir enters and expresses his desire to renounce his title and become a Jesuit. His father, King Casimir IV, is outraged and orders him to marry a princess from Hungary. Casimir refuses and leaves the court. In the second act, Casimir is shown living a life of poverty and devotion to God. His father sends soldiers to bring him back to court, but Casimir refuses to return. The princess from Hungary arrives and falls in love with Casimir, but he rejects her advances. The third act features a battle between Poland and Lithuania. Casimir is wounded and dies in the arms of his father, who finally accepts his son's decision to become a Jesuit. The music of "San Casimiro, Re di Pononia" is typical of Scarlatti's style, with arias and recitatives that showcase the vocal talents of the singers. The opera features a variety of musical forms, including choruses, duets, and solo arias. The music is characterized by its emotional intensity and dramatic flair. Overall, "San Casimiro, Re di Pononia" is a powerful opera that explores themes of duty, devotion, and sacrifice. Scarlatti's music brings the story to life, creating a moving and memorable work of art.

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