Composer

:

Nicola Porpora

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Average_duration

:

120:43

'Orlando' is an opera seria composed by Nicola Porpora in 1727. The libretto was written by Antonio Salvi and is based on Ludovico Ariosto's epic poem 'Orlando Furioso'. The opera premiered at the Teatro San Giovanni Grisostomo in Venice on January 19, 1727. The plot of 'Orlando' revolves around the knight Orlando, who is in love with Angelica, a princess from Cathay. However, Angelica is in love with Medoro, a Saracen warrior. Orlando's love for Angelica drives him to madness, and he becomes a threat to himself and those around him. The story also features other characters from the epic poem, such as Ruggiero, Bradamante, and Alcina. 'Orlando' is divided into three acts and features a total of 32 arias, duets, and ensembles. The music is characterized by Porpora's virtuosic vocal writing, with elaborate coloratura passages and expressive recitatives. The opera also features a variety of instrumental accompaniment, including strings, winds, and continuo. The premiere of 'Orlando' was a great success, with the audience applauding Porpora's music and the singers' performances. The opera was subsequently performed in other Italian cities, including Naples and Rome. It also enjoyed a revival in the 20th century, with performances in London, Paris, and New York. 'Orlando' is considered one of Porpora's most important works and is representative of the opera seria genre of the early 18th century. The opera's themes of love, jealousy, and madness are explored through the music and the characters' interactions. Porpora's music is characterized by its emotional intensity and technical virtuosity, making 'Orlando' a challenging and rewarding work for singers and audiences alike.

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