Semele (Handel)
Semele (HWV 58), the classical myth of Semele, is an oratorio in three acts by George Frideric Handel. Hercules In addition, it is the second dramatic oratorio Handel on a secular subject.
Formation
Handel began on June 3, 1743 with the composition of the first act, closing it off on June 13. The second act was done seven days later. With the composition of the third act and filling in the middle voices he put the plant on July 4 finished.
The premiere took place on February 10, 1744 at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden instead. Following it came to three repetitions. After Handel took the Oratory to only twice in December 1744.
The generic type of the Story of Semele is controversial in research. Handel himself announced the work with the Note After the Manner of an Oratorio, so distanced himself somewhat from the concept of oratory, he used otherwise. Of the other oratorios except Hercules this differs by using a secular, mythological. Also, the choir has a relatively small proportion and is only commenting, without interfering with the action.
Handel Semele led despite the libretto existing scene statements always in concert on. Nevertheless, it has often referred to as Opera, so they, after Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, one of the first true English-language opera would be. In the 20th century it was several times ( first in 1925 in Cambridge ) successfully listed scenic.
Libretto
The libretto for Semele was written originally in 1705 /06 by William Congreve for a composed by John Eccles opera, but did not come to the performance. It was probably revised by Newburgh Hamilton for Handel. The plot is based on the Greek myth of Semele, as described by Ovid in Metamorphoses in Book 3.
People
The roles were sung at the first performance of the following singers:
- Semele, daughter of Cadmus: Elisabeth Duparc, called " La France Sina" (soprano )
- Jupiter: John Beard (tenor )
- Apollo: John Beard
- Athamas, a Boeotian Prince Daniel Sullivan ( countertenor )
- Juno: Esther Young ( Old )
- Ino, Semele's sister: Esther Young
- Iris, messenger of the gods: Christina Maria Avoglio (soprano )
- Cadmus / High Priest / Somnus Thomas Reinhold ( bass)
Action
Act I
In the temple of Juno: On the occasion of a sacrifice at the altar of Juno demand Cadmus and Athamas, Semele that no longer opposes the wedding already agreed. This conjures Jupiter, her secret lover to come to her aid. This expresses his displeasure and the sacrifice to Juno is canceled. But Ino tried Athanas to confess her love, this only thinks of his bride; Cadmus enters and tells the two that Semele has been stolen by an eagle, and spread the priest of Jupiter, that they have experienced with this now endless pleasures.
Second Act
In a pleasant landscape: Juno learns by Iris that Semele was built on Mount Cithaeron in a volcanic and two dragons guarded palace lives. She decides to destroy Semele and to turn for help to Somnus, the god of sleep. In the Palace: Semele the joys experienced with her lover. She suggests that she wants to be raised to the status of the immortals; to distract them, Jupiter Ino can be brought into the palace. The sisters celebrate a joyful reunion.
Act Three
In the cave of sleep: Juno Somnus promises the hand of Pasithea, whereupon he gives her his rod leaden sleep. She is now able to put the Dragons and Ino to sleep. In the Palace: Juno to Semele approaches in the form of Inos, hands her a mirror and convinces her that she is immortal, when Jupiter shows her in his true form. Semele Jupiter can swear that he met her a wish and demanded of him that he shows her to be a God. Jupiter tries to dissuade her, but she insists. Juno is enjoying the success of their vengeance and Semele recognizes burning in the rays of Jupiter's power, too late their mistake. On Earth: The Thebans mourn, Ino announced that they will marry on Jupiter's command Athanas. This agrees. Final scene: Apollo appears and announces that Semele's ashes a phoenix is risen from which is destined to live as a god among the gods. A final chorus pays homage to Bacchus.