Composer

:

Francesco Cavalli

Genre

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1658

Hipermestra is an opera composed by Francesco Cavalli in 1658. The plot of the opera is based on the Greek myth of Danaus and his fifty daughters, known as the Danaides. The story revolves around the marriage of the fifty daughters to their fifty cousins, the sons of Aegyptus. However, Hipermestra, one of the daughters, refuses to kill her husband on their wedding night, unlike her sisters who were ordered to do so by their father. This leads to a series of events that ultimately result in the punishment of Danaus and the salvation of Hipermestra and her husband. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own set of movements. The first act introduces the characters and sets the stage for the conflict between Danaus and his daughters. The second act focuses on the wedding night and the decision of Hipermestra to spare her husband's life. The third act sees the resolution of the conflict and the punishment of Danaus. The music of Hipermestra is characterized by its use of recitative and aria, which were popular forms of vocal music during the Baroque period. The opera also features a variety of instrumental music, including overtures, sinfonias, and dance music. The vocal parts are written for a range of voices, including sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses. Hipermestra premiered in Venice in 1658 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The opera was praised for its innovative use of vocal and instrumental music, as well as its dramatic storyline. It went on to be performed throughout Europe and was considered one of Cavalli's most successful works. Overall, Hipermestra is a compelling opera that tells a timeless story of love, loyalty, and betrayal. Its use of vocal and instrumental music, combined with its dramatic storyline, make it a masterpiece of the Baroque period.

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