Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1685

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Sophonisba, or Hannibal's Overthrow, Z. 590 is a semi-opera composed by Henry Purcell in 1695. It premiered at the Queen's Theatre in London on January 14, 1696. The libretto was written by John Crowne and is based on the story of Sophonisba, the daughter of Hasdrubal, who was betrothed to Syphax but was forced to marry Massinissa, a Numidian king, after her father's defeat by the Romans. The semi-opera consists of a prologue and five acts, each with multiple scenes. The prologue features allegorical figures such as Fame, Envy, and Discord, who set the stage for the drama to come. The first act introduces the main characters and their relationships, including Sophonisba, Syphax, and Massinissa. The second act features a battle between the Carthaginians and the Romans, in which Hannibal is defeated. The third act focuses on the love triangle between Sophonisba, Syphax, and Massinissa, with Sophonisba ultimately choosing to marry Massinissa. The fourth act features a plot by Syphax to overthrow Massinissa, which is foiled by Sophonisba. The final act sees the arrival of the Roman general Scipio, who demands that Sophonisba be handed over to the Romans as a prisoner. Purcell's music for Sophonisba is characterized by his use of a variety of musical forms, including arias, duets, and choruses. The arias are often highly expressive, with Purcell using chromaticism and dissonance to convey the characters' emotions. The choruses are often grand and majestic, with Purcell using imitative counterpoint and antiphonal effects to create a sense of drama and tension. Overall, Sophonisba, or Hannibal's Overthrow, Z. 590 is a masterful example of Purcell's skill as a composer of semi-operas. Its combination of drama, music, and spectacle would have been a powerful experience for audiences in the late 17th century, and it remains a testament to Purcell's enduring legacy as one of England's greatest composers.

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