Composer

:

Pietro Torri

Genre

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1724

Average_duration

:

7:04

Amadis di Grecia is an opera seria in three acts composed by Pietro Torri. The opera was first performed in Milan in 1729. The libretto was written by Apostolo Zeno and Pietro Pariati, based on the chivalric romance Amadis de Gaula. The plot of the opera revolves around the love story of Amadis, a knight from Greece, and Oriana, the queen of England. Amadis is sent to England to help Oriana fight against her enemies. He falls in love with her at first sight, but Oriana is already engaged to another knight, Florestan. Amadis and Oriana struggle with their feelings for each other, while Florestan becomes jealous and plots against Amadis. In the end, Amadis and Oriana are able to overcome all obstacles and be together. The music of Amadis di Grecia is characterized by its virtuosic vocal writing and elaborate orchestration. The opera features arias, duets, and ensemble numbers that showcase the singers' vocal abilities. The orchestration includes strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, as well as harpsichord and continuo. The premiere of Amadis di Grecia was a great success, and the opera was performed throughout Italy and Europe in the following years. The opera was also adapted into a ballet by Jean-Georges Noverre in 1779. Amadis di Grecia is considered one of the finest examples of the opera seria genre, which was popular in the 18th century. The genre was characterized by its serious and heroic subject matter, elaborate vocal writing, and formal structure. Amadis di Grecia exemplifies these characteristics, with its grandiose plot, virtuosic vocal writing, and formal structure.

More....