Composer

:

Francesco Cavalli

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Average_duration

:

163:46

L'Ercole amante is an opera composed by Francesco Cavalli in 1662. The libretto was written by Francesco Buti and is based on the myth of Hercules and his love for Iole. The opera was commissioned by Louis XIV of France to celebrate the wedding of his brother, Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, to Princess Henrietta of England. The plot of L'Ercole amante revolves around the love story of Hercules and Iole. Hercules, who is married to Deianira, falls in love with Iole, the daughter of King Eurytus. However, Iole is already engaged to Achelous, a river god. Hercules tries to win Iole's love by performing various heroic deeds, but she remains loyal to Achelous. Meanwhile, Deianira, who is jealous of Iole, tries to kill her. In the end, Hercules and Iole are united, and Deianira is punished for her jealousy. L'Ercole amante premiered on February 7, 1662, at the Salle des Machines in the Tuileries Palace in Paris. The opera was divided into five acts and featured elaborate sets and costumes. The music of L'Ercole amante is characterized by its use of recitative and aria, as well as its rich orchestration. The opera also features a number of dance movements, including a chaconne and a sarabande. One of the most notable characteristics of L'Ercole amante is its use of spectacle. The opera features a number of elaborate stage effects, including a flying chariot and a giant serpent. The opera also features a number of ballets, which were choreographed by Pierre Beauchamp. L'Ercole amante was a great success at its premiere and was performed several times during the wedding celebrations. However, the opera was not performed again until the 20th century, when it was revived by the conductor Raymond Leppard. Today, L'Ercole amante is considered one of Cavalli's most important works and is recognized as a masterpiece of Baroque opera.

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