Composer

:

Johann Adolf Hasse

Genre

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1748

Demofoonte is an opera seria in three acts composed by Johann Adolf Hasse. The libretto was written by Pietro Metastasio and was first performed in 1746 in Dresden, Germany. The opera is set in ancient Greece and tells the story of King Demofoonte, who is torn between his love for his son and his duty as a ruler. Act I begins with the arrival of Creusa, the wife of Demofoonte, who has been held captive by the enemy. She is reunited with her husband and their son, Timante, who has grown up without knowing his mother. Timante falls in love with Creusa's maid, Dircea, but she is already engaged to the soldier Cherinto. Meanwhile, the enemy king, Creonte, demands that Demofoonte hand over his son as a hostage. In Act II, Demofoonte is torn between his love for his son and his duty to his kingdom. He ultimately decides to send Timante away as a hostage, but not before revealing his true identity as his son. Creusa is devastated by the news and begs Demofoonte to change his mind. Meanwhile, Cherinto discovers that Dircea is in love with Timante and decides to break off their engagement. Act III sees the return of Timante, who has been released from captivity. He is reunited with Creusa and Dircea, but his happiness is short-lived as Creonte demands that he be executed. Demofoonte is faced with a difficult decision, but ultimately decides to sacrifice his own life to save his son. The opera ends with Demofoonte's death and Timante ascending to the throne. Demofoonte is characterized by its beautiful melodies, intricate vocal lines, and dramatic plot. Hasse's music is known for its emotional depth and expressive power, and the opera showcases his mastery of the opera seria style. The opera was a great success at its premiere and has since become one of Hasse's most popular works.

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