Composer

:

Alessandro Scarlatti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

First Performance

:

1719

"Marco Attilio Regolo" is an opera seria composed by Alessandro Scarlatti in 1719. The libretto was written by Matteo Noris and is based on the story of the Roman general Regulus, who was captured by the Carthaginians during the First Punic War. The opera is divided into three acts and features a cast of six principal singers. The title role of Marco Attilio Regolo is a tenor, while his wife Marcia is a soprano. The other characters include the Carthaginian queen, Amilcare, her son, and a Roman ambassador. The plot of the opera revolves around the capture of Regolo by the Carthaginians and his subsequent imprisonment. Despite being offered the chance to return to Rome if he agrees to negotiate a peace treaty with Carthage, Regolo chooses to remain a prisoner and urges his fellow Romans to continue the war. In the end, Regolo is executed by the Carthaginians, but his sacrifice inspires the Romans to victory. "Marco Attilio Regolo" premiered in Rome in 1719 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The opera features Scarlatti's signature style of virtuosic vocal writing and intricate orchestration. The arias are characterized by their expressive melodies and elaborate ornamentation, while the recitatives are marked by their dramatic intensity. The opera is notable for its use of the da capo aria form, which allows the singer to showcase their vocal agility and emotional range. The music is also notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which adds to the dramatic tension of the opera. Overall, "Marco Attilio Regolo" is a masterpiece of Baroque opera and a testament to Scarlatti's skill as a composer. Its themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and patriotism continue to resonate with audiences today.

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