Composer

:

Alessandro Scarlatti

Genre

:

Opera

First Performance

:

January 5, 1690

La Statira is an opera seria composed by Alessandro Scarlatti in 1690. The plot is based on the story of Statira, the wife of the Persian king Darius III, who was captured by Alexander the Great after the Battle of Issus. The libretto was written by the famous poet and librettist, Apostolo Zeno. The opera premiered on January 26, 1690, at the Teatro Capranica in Rome. It was an immediate success and was performed throughout Italy and Europe. The opera consists of three acts and is scored for a large orchestra, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The first act opens with the Persian king Darius III mourning the loss of his army and his wife, Statira, who has been captured by Alexander the Great. Alexander, who is in love with Statira, promises to return her to Darius if he surrenders. Darius refuses, and the two armies prepare for battle. In the second act, Statira is held captive by Alexander, who tries to win her love. She resists his advances and remains loyal to her husband. Meanwhile, Darius is killed in battle, and his son, Bessus, takes over as king. Bessus plans to rescue Statira and defeat Alexander. The final act sees Bessus and his army attacking Alexander's camp. Statira is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her growing feelings for Alexander. In the end, Bessus is defeated, and Statira chooses to stay with Alexander. La Statira is a prime example of the opera seria genre, which was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. It features elaborate arias, recitatives, and choruses, and the music is highly structured and formal. The opera also showcases Scarlatti's skill as a composer, with its intricate harmonies, virtuosic vocal lines, and dramatic orchestration. Overall, La Statira is a masterpiece of Baroque opera, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Scarlatti's talent as a composer.

More....