Composer

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Antonio Salieri

Genre

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Opera

Style

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Opera

"Semiramide" is an opera seria in two acts composed by Antonio Salieri. The libretto was written by Giovanni Battista Casti and is based on Voltaire's tragedy "Semiramis." The opera was first performed at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan on February 3, 1790. The plot of "Semiramide" revolves around the Babylonian queen Semiramide, who has just ascended to the throne after the death of her husband, King Nino. She is in love with the warrior Arsace, who is also her son, but she does not know this. Arsace is in love with the princess Azema, but he is torn between his love for her and his duty to Semiramide. Meanwhile, the high priest Oroe is plotting against Semiramide, and the ghost of Nino appears to reveal a dark secret from the past. The opera is divided into two acts, each with several movements. The first act begins with a chorus of Babylonian priests praising Semiramide. She enters and announces her intention to choose a new king, but Oroe objects and reveals his plot against her. Semiramide then sings an aria expressing her love for Arsace, who enters and sings an aria about his conflicted feelings. Azema and the prince Idreno also enter and sing a duet, expressing their love for each other. The act ends with a chorus of Babylonians celebrating the new king. The second act begins with a scene between Semiramide and Arsace, in which she reveals her love for him and he confesses his love for Azema. Oroe then enters and reveals the secret of Arsace's true identity as Semiramide's son. Arsace is shocked and sings an aria expressing his confusion and despair. Semiramide then enters and sings an aria about her guilt and sorrow. The ghost of Nino appears and reveals that he was murdered by Semiramide and Arsace, who were in love with each other at the time. The opera ends with a chorus of Babylonians condemning Semiramide and Arsace. "Semiramide" is characterized by its grandeur and dramatic intensity. Salieri's music is highly expressive and emotional, with a focus on vocal virtuosity and dramatic effect. The opera also features elaborate choruses and ensemble scenes, as well as a number of memorable arias and duets. Overall, "Semiramide" is a powerful and compelling work that showcases Salieri's skill as a composer of opera seria.

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