Composer

:

Gaetano Donizetti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1838

Average_duration

:

104:48

Movement_count

:

21

Movement ....

Poliuto is an opera in three acts composed by Gaetano Donizetti. The libretto was written by Salvadore Cammarano, based on Pierre Corneille's play Polyeucte. The opera was composed in 1838 and premiered on November 30, 1848, at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. The plot of Poliuto revolves around the Christian martyr Polyeucte, who converts to Christianity and is subsequently executed by the Roman authorities. The story is set in the third century AD in the city of Melitene, which is under Roman rule. Polyeucte is a nobleman who is married to Pauline, the daughter of the Roman governor, Severus. Despite his marriage, Polyeucte falls in love with the Christian girl Stratonice and converts to Christianity. When Severus discovers Polyeucte's conversion, he orders his execution. Pauline, torn between her loyalty to her father and her love for her husband, ultimately chooses to die with Polyeucte. The music of Poliuto is characterized by Donizetti's signature bel canto style, with its emphasis on beautiful melodies and vocal virtuosity. The opera features a number of memorable arias, duets, and ensembles, including Polyeucte's aria "Di quai soavi lagrime," Pauline's aria "O mio Fernando," and the duet between Polyeucte and Pauline "Ah! Non sai qual pena." Poliuto was not initially well-received by audiences, in part due to its controversial subject matter. The opera was banned in Rome due to its depiction of a Christian martyr, and it was not until after Donizetti's death that it began to gain popularity. In the 20th century, Poliuto was revived and reworked by various composers, including Alfredo Catalani and Arturo Toscanini. Despite its initial reception, Poliuto remains an important work in Donizetti's oeuvre, showcasing his mastery of the bel canto style and his ability to create emotionally powerful music. Its themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice continue to resonate with audiences today.

More....