Composer

:

Gaetano Donizetti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1836

Average_duration

:

120:34

Belisario is an opera in three acts composed by Gaetano Donizetti. The opera was composed in 1836 and premiered on February 4, 1836, at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy. The libretto was written by Salvadore Cammarano, who based it on a play by Luigi Marchionni. The plot of Belisario is set in the Byzantine Empire during the 6th century. The story revolves around the character of Belisario, a general who has been falsely accused of treason by his enemies. Belisario's wife, Antonina, is also accused of adultery and is sentenced to death. Belisario is stripped of his rank and exiled, while his daughter, Irene, is taken away from him and given to the emperor, Justinian. Belisario's enemies, including the emperor's wife, Theodora, continue to plot against him, and he is eventually blinded and left to beg on the streets. However, Irene, who has grown up to become a powerful and influential woman, discovers the truth about her father's innocence and sets out to clear his name. In the end, Belisario is reinstated as a general and reunited with his daughter. The music of Belisario is characterized by Donizetti's signature bel canto style, with beautiful melodies and intricate vocal lines. The opera features several memorable arias, including Belisario's "Cinta di fiori" and Antonina's "Ah! Non sai qual pena." Belisario was not a commercial success at the time of its premiere, but it has since become recognized as one of Donizetti's most important works. The opera is notable for its powerful portrayal of the themes of betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness, as well as its beautiful music and vocal performances. Today, Belisario is still performed in opera houses around the world, and it remains a beloved work of the Italian operatic repertoire.

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