Composer

:

Domenico Cimarosa

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1788

La Vergine del Sole is an opera in two acts composed by Domenico Cimarosa. The opera was composed in 1795 and premiered on January 28, 1796, at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. The libretto was written by Giovanni de Gamerra. The plot of the opera revolves around the Inca princess, Cora, who is chosen to be the "Virgin of the Sun," a sacred role in Inca religion. However, Cora falls in love with the Spanish conquistador, Fernando, who has come to Peru to conquer the Inca empire. The conflict between their love and their respective cultures forms the basis of the opera's plot. The first act of the opera opens with the Inca priests announcing the selection of Cora as the "Virgin of the Sun." Cora is initially hesitant to accept the role, but eventually agrees. Meanwhile, Fernando arrives in Peru and falls in love with Cora at first sight. However, their love is complicated by the fact that Fernando is a Spanish conqueror and Cora is an Inca princess. In the second act, Fernando and Cora's love is tested when the Spanish army attacks the Inca empire. Cora is torn between her love for Fernando and her loyalty to her people. In the end, Cora chooses to sacrifice herself to save her people, and Fernando is left alone to mourn her death. The music of La Vergine del Sole is characterized by its use of traditional Inca melodies and rhythms, which Cimarosa incorporates into his own classical style. The opera also features a number of ensemble pieces, including duets and trios, which showcase Cimarosa's skill in writing for multiple voices. Overall, La Vergine del Sole is a powerful and emotional opera that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and cultural conflict. Its premiere in 1796 was a great success, and the opera continues to be performed today as a testament to Cimarosa's enduring legacy as a composer.

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