Composer

:

Gioachino Rossini

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1822

Average_duration

:

137:37

Movement_count

:

34

Movement ....

Zelmira is an opera seria in two acts composed by Gioachino Rossini. The libretto was written by Andrea Leone Tottola and is based on the play Zelmire by de Belloy. The opera was composed in 1822 and premiered at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples on February 16, 1822. The plot of Zelmira revolves around the titular character, the daughter of the King of Lesbos, who is married to the Greek hero Ilo. However, Ilo is captured by the tyrant Antenore, who also kills Zelmira's father and takes over the kingdom. Zelmira is forced to marry Antenore to save her people, but she is secretly plotting to free her husband and restore her father's kingdom. The opera is divided into two acts, each with several movements. The first act begins with a chorus of Greek soldiers celebrating their victory over the Trojans. Zelmira enters and sings an aria expressing her love for Ilo. Antenore then enters and announces his plan to marry Zelmira. Ilo is brought in as a prisoner, and Zelmira is forced to marry Antenore to save his life. The second act begins with a chorus of Antenore's soldiers celebrating their victory over the Greeks. Zelmira sings an aria expressing her sorrow at being forced to marry Antenore. Ilo is freed from captivity and reunites with Zelmira, and they plan their escape. Antenore discovers their plan and orders their execution, but they are saved by the intervention of the Greek soldiers. Zelmira and Ilo are reunited, and Antenore is defeated. Zelmira is characterized by Rossini's signature style of bel canto singing, with elaborate vocal ornamentation and virtuosic coloratura passages. The opera also features a number of ensemble pieces, including duets and trios, which showcase Rossini's skill at writing for multiple voices. Overall, Zelmira is a powerful and dramatic opera that showcases Rossini's mastery of the bel canto style. Its themes of love, betrayal, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences today.

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