Composer

:

Alessandro Scarlatti

Genre

:

Choral

First Performance

:

July 15, 1696

Average_duration

:

3:32

'Venere, Adone et Amore' is an opera in three acts composed by Alessandro Scarlatti. The opera premiered on January 26, 1711, at the Teatro San Bartolomeo in Naples, Italy. The libretto was written by Silvio Stampiglia, an Italian poet and librettist. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own set of arias, recitatives, and ensembles. The first act introduces the characters and sets the stage for the story. The goddess Venus is in love with the mortal Adonis, but he is more interested in hunting than in love. Venus enlists the help of her son, Cupid, to make Adonis fall in love with her. The act ends with Adonis finally succumbing to Venus's charms. The second act focuses on the relationship between Venus and Adonis. They are deeply in love, but their happiness is short-lived. Adonis is killed while hunting, and Venus is left heartbroken. The act ends with Venus mourning Adonis's death. The third act deals with the aftermath of Adonis's death. Venus is inconsolable, and Cupid tries to comfort her. In the end, Venus decides to turn Adonis into a flower, the anemone, so that he can live forever. The music of 'Venere, Adone et Amore' is typical of Scarlatti's style. The arias are lyrical and expressive, with a strong emphasis on melody. The recitatives are also well-crafted, with a natural flow that helps to move the story along. The ensembles are particularly effective, with Scarlatti using the different voices to create a rich tapestry of sound. Overall, 'Venere, Adone et Amore' is a beautiful opera that showcases Scarlatti's talents as a composer. The story is engaging, the music is memorable, and the characters are well-drawn. It is no wonder that the opera was a success when it premiered in Naples in 1711, and it continues to be performed today.

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