Composer

:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1775

Average_duration

:

110:54

Movement_count

:

14

Movement ....

Il rè pastore (The Shepherd King) is an opera seria in two acts composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1775. The libretto was written by Metastasio and adapted by Mozart's father, Leopold Mozart. The opera premiered on April 23, 1775, at the Archduke Ferdinand's residence in Salzburg. The plot of Il rè pastore is set in ancient Macedonia and revolves around the love story of Alexander the Great (Alessandro) and the shepherdess Aminta. Alessandro, who has just conquered Macedonia, is searching for the rightful heir to the throne. He discovers that Aminta is the son of the late king and therefore the rightful heir. However, Aminta is in love with Elisa, a noblewoman who is also in love with him. Alessandro must decide whether to follow his duty and make Aminta the king or allow him to marry Elisa and live a simple life as a shepherd. The opera is divided into two acts and features six musical numbers in each act. The first act includes arias such as "L'amerò, sarò costante" (I will love her, I will be constant) and "Se tu di me fai dono" (If you give me yourself). The second act includes arias such as "Non so d'onde viene" (I don't know where it comes from) and "S'io non moro a questi accenti" (If I don't die to these accents). Il rè pastore is characterized by its use of simple melodies and clear harmonies, which reflect the pastoral setting of the opera. The opera also features arias that showcase the virtuosity of the singers, particularly in the coloratura passages. The use of recitative is minimal, and the opera relies heavily on the use of arias and ensembles to advance the plot. Il rè pastore was not a commercial success during Mozart's lifetime, and it was rarely performed in the years following its premiere. However, it has since become a staple of the operatic repertoire and is considered one of Mozart's early masterpieces. The opera's themes of duty, love, and sacrifice continue to resonate with audiences today.

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