Composer

:

Leonardo Leo

Genre

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1727

"Ciro riconosciuto" is an opera seria in three acts composed by Leonardo Leo. The libretto was written by Pietro Metastasio and was first performed in Naples in 1736. The opera tells the story of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, and his love for Mandane, the daughter of his enemy, Astiage. Act I begins with Astiage, the king of the Medes, plotting to overthrow Cyrus and regain his power. He plans to use his daughter Mandane as a pawn in his scheme, by marrying her off to a prince who will help him in his quest for power. However, Mandane is in love with Cyrus, and when he arrives at the palace to negotiate a peace treaty, she confesses her love for him. Cyrus is torn between his love for Mandane and his duty to his country, but ultimately decides to pursue his love for her. In Act II, Astiage discovers that Cyrus and Mandane are in love and orders his soldiers to capture them. However, Cyrus and Mandane manage to escape and flee to the mountains. There, they are joined by a group of shepherds who offer them shelter and protection. Meanwhile, Astiage is furious that his plan has failed and orders his soldiers to find and capture Cyrus and Mandane. Act III sees Cyrus and Mandane reunited and planning their future together. However, their happiness is short-lived as Astiage's soldiers catch up with them. In a dramatic finale, Cyrus and Astiage engage in a battle, with Cyrus emerging victorious. Astiage is captured and Cyrus is hailed as a hero. "Ciro riconosciuto" is a prime example of the opera seria genre, which was popular in the 18th century. The music is characterized by its ornate vocal lines, elaborate arias, and use of recitative to advance the plot. The opera also features a number of dance movements, which were a common feature of operas of the time. Leonardo Leo composed "Ciro riconosciuto" in 1736, and it premiered in Naples the same year. The opera was well-received and went on to be performed throughout Europe. Today, it is considered one of Leo's most important works and a significant example of the opera seria genre.

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