Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1727

Average_duration

:

203:52

Movement_count

:

85

Movement ....

"Admeto, Rè di Tessaglia" is an opera seria in three acts composed by George Frederick Handel. The libretto was written by Nicola Francesco Haym, based on the play "Alcestis" by Euripides. The opera was first performed on January 31, 1727, at the King's Theatre in London. The plot of "Admeto, Rè di Tessaglia" revolves around the Greek king Admetus, who is facing death. His wife, Alceste, offers to die in his place, but is saved by the god Apollo. Admetus is then visited by his friend Hercules, who offers to help him in any way he can. Meanwhile, Admetus' sister, Antigona, is in love with the prince Trasimede, but he is in love with Alceste. The plot thickens when the sorceress, Melissa, tries to win the love of Admetus, and the god Mercury intervenes to help Hercules. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own set of arias, recitatives, and choruses. The first act sets the scene and introduces the characters, while the second act focuses on the love triangle between Antigona, Trasimede, and Alceste. The third act brings all the characters together for a dramatic finale, with Admetus and Alceste reunited and Melissa punished for her evil deeds. "Admeto, Rè di Tessaglia" is characterized by Handel's masterful use of vocal and instrumental music to convey the emotions of the characters. The arias are particularly notable for their virtuosic vocal lines and expressive melodies. The opera also features a number of choruses, which add to the dramatic impact of the work. The premiere of "Admeto, Rè di Tessaglia" was a great success, and the opera was performed several times during Handel's lifetime. It has since become one of his most popular works, and is still performed today by opera companies around the world.

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