Composer

:

Gioachino Rossini

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1819

Average_duration

:

122:20

Movement_count

:

41

Movement ....

"Ermione" is an opera in two acts composed by Gioachino Rossini. The libretto was written by Andrea Leone Tottola, based on the tragedy "Andromaque" by Jean Racine. The opera was composed in 1819 and premiered on March 27, 1819, at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Italy. The plot of "Ermione" revolves around the aftermath of the Trojan War. The Greek hero Pyrrhus has taken Andromache, the widow of Hector, as his captive and intends to marry her. However, Pyrrhus is also in love with Hermione, the daughter of Menelaus and Helen of Troy. Hermione is engaged to Orestes, who is seeking revenge against Pyrrhus for killing his father, Agamemnon. The first act of the opera focuses on the love triangle between Pyrrhus, Hermione, and Orestes. Hermione is consumed by jealousy and demands that Pyrrhus choose between her and Andromache. Pyrrhus is torn between his love for Hermione and his duty to marry Andromache to secure his political position. In the second act, Orestes arrives and attempts to assassinate Pyrrhus. However, he is stopped by Hermione, who still loves Pyrrhus and begs him to spare Orestes' life. Pyrrhus agrees, but Orestes is later captured and sentenced to death. Hermione is driven to madness by her conflicting emotions and ultimately takes her own life. The music of "Ermione" is characterized by Rossini's signature bel canto style, with elaborate vocal ornamentation and virtuosic coloratura passages. The opera features several notable arias, including Hermione's "D'Oreste, d'Ajace" and Pyrrhus' "Ah, se puoi così lasciarmi." Despite its initial success, "Ermione" fell out of favor in the years following its premiere and was rarely performed. However, it has experienced a revival in recent years, with productions staged in Italy, France, and the United States. The opera's themes of love, jealousy, and revenge continue to resonate with audiences today.

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