Composer

:

Joseph Martin Kraus

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1799

'Aeneas in Carthage' is an opera composed by Joseph Martin Kraus in 1791. The plot of the opera is based on the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who travels to Carthage and falls in love with Queen Dido. The opera is divided into three acts and features a libretto by Johan Henrik Kellgren. The first act of the opera introduces Aeneas and his fellow Trojans as they arrive in Carthage after their city has been destroyed. Aeneas is welcomed by Queen Dido, who is immediately taken with him. The two begin to fall in love, but Aeneas is torn between his love for Dido and his duty to his people. In the second act, Aeneas is visited by the ghost of his father, who urges him to leave Carthage and continue his journey to Italy. Aeneas is torn between his duty to his father and his love for Dido, but ultimately decides to leave Carthage. Dido is heartbroken by his departure and sings a powerful aria expressing her grief. The third act of the opera features a battle between the Trojans and the Carthaginians. Aeneas returns to Carthage to help defend the city, but is ultimately successful in defeating the Carthaginians. However, Dido is so heartbroken by Aeneas' departure that she takes her own life. 'Aeneas in Carthage' premiered on August 17, 1791, at the Royal Opera in Stockholm, Sweden. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and is considered one of Kraus' most successful works. The music of 'Aeneas in Carthage' is characterized by its dramatic intensity and emotional depth. Kraus' use of orchestration and vocal writing is particularly notable, with the music perfectly capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters. Overall, 'Aeneas in Carthage' is a powerful and moving opera that explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Kraus' skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to the human experience.

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