Il prigionier superbo
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| Title: | Il prigionier superbo |
Title page of the libretto, Naples 1733 |
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| Shape: | Dramma per musica in three acts |
| Original language: | Italian |
| Music: | Giovanni Battista Pergolesi |
| Libretto : | Gennaro Antonio Federico ? |
| Literary source: | Francesco Silvani : La fede tradita e vendicata |
| Premiere: | September 5, 1733 |
| Place of premiere: | Teatro San Bartolomeo, Naples |
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Il prigionier superbo (Eng: the haughty prisoner ) is an opera seria (original name: "dramma per musica") in three acts by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi . The libretto attributed to Gennaro Antonio Federico is based on Francesco Silvani's La fede tradita e vendicata . The first performance took place on September 5, 1733 in the Teatro San Bartolomeo in Naples.
action
Prehistory. The Norwegian King Clearco is driven out of the country by his own vassals. Sostrate becomes the new king. Clearco and his daughter Ericlea seek refuge with the Gothic King Metalce. This allies itself with the Danish prince Viridate and other Nordic princes and moves against Sostrate into the field to reinstate Clearco. In one of the battles that follow, Metalce kills Sostrate's son Oronte. The allies offer Sostrate to rule Norway as king until the end of his life, provided that he appoints Ericlea, whose father has since passed away, as his successor - but Sostrate rejects the offer out of mourning over the death of his son. Eventually Sostrate is defeated and captured with his daughter Rosmene. Metalce promises marriage to Ericlea so that she can rule Norway together.
First act. Metalce promises Viridate the hand of Rosmenes, whom he has loved for a long time. But since Viridate has proven to be an enemy of her father, Rosmene refuses a connection with him. Metalce himself falls in love with her and courted her. The spurned Ericlea swears revenge. To this end, she teams up with her former lover, Micisda. Rosmene rejects Metalce, although the latter threatens to kill her father Sostrate. Sostrate urges his daughter not to give in to the tyrant.
Act Two . Ericlea confirms her alliance of revenge with Micisda and reveals Metalce's intentions to Viridate. Metalce and Viridate fight over Rosmene. Metalce promises Sostrate the crown if he gives him his daughter's hand - but the proud Sostrate does not agree. Finally, Metalces has him thrown into dungeon along with Viridate, who had sided with Sostrate. There Sostrate reconciles with Viridate and promises him the hand of his daughter. Rosmene and Viridate admit their love. Rosmene begs Metalce for mercy for her lover and her father. Metalce is ready to spare one of them - but Rosmene has to choose. Desperate, she decides to kill Viridate in order to save her father.
Act Three . Ericlea notifies Viridate and Sostrate that Metalce is preparing to marry Rosmene. Micisda also shows them Viridates' death sentence, which was written by Rosmene. Then both her father and her lover break away from Rosmene. Ericlea and Micisda begin their military revolt against Metalce. After a temporary setback, the insurgents win. Ericlea assures those present that Rosmenes is innocent, who then reunites with Viridate. Sostrate gets back the Norwegian throne, which Ericlea will inherit after his death. Ericlea forgives the humiliated Metalce and will rule over the Goths with him.
first act
Large place magnificently decorated for Metalce's victory celebration
Scene 1. After the ceremonial entry of the Gothic and Norwegian soldiers as well as the dancing and music-making Moors, the Norwegian King Sostrate is presented in chains. Moors pull in a splendid carriage on which the victorious Gothic King Metalce, his fiancée Ericlea and his allies - the Danish prince Viridate and the Bohemian prince Micisda - are (chorus: “Splenda il sol di luce adorno”). Metalce promises marriage to Ericlea and declares her Queen of Norway. Metalce promises Rosmene the hand of Viridate. Sostrate is outraged by the way Metalce has disposed of his daughter. He doesn't consider himself defeated and insults Metalce as a cowardly usurper (Aria Sostrate: “Premi o tiranno altero”).
Scene 2. Metalce asks Micisda to take Rosmene to his room for a talk. He sets off, but is plagued by jealousy of Metalce because of his own love for Ericlea.
Scene 3. Although Metalce achieved all of his goals, he feels restless and unsatisfied (Aria Metalce: “Che fiero martire”).
Royal room
Scene 4. Rosmene worries about her father (Arie Rosmene: “Fra tanti affanni miei”). When Viridate assures her of his love, she accuses him of treason. Viridate justifies himself by saying that he had to turn against her father to secure Metalce's rule. But he had her picture in his heart. Since Rosmene does not find his explanation particularly convincing, she throws him out. Viridate replies that she shouldn't ask him to go, but rather die. He is ready to accept the punishment for his offense, but then she should think about how much he loves her (Arie Viridate: "Parto. Non ti sdegnar"). He goes.
Scene 5. While Rosmene remembers her previous relationship with Viridate, Metalce enters the room to her displeasure.
Scene 6. Metalce spontaneously falls in love with Rosmene and court her. Ericlea, who was watching him, intervenes indignantly. Rosmene, on the other hand, only feels hatred and contempt for the enemy of her father and his wife (Arie Rosmene: "M'intendeste? Non pavento").
Scene 7. Metalce assures Ericlea that he only spoke to Rosmene for Viridate.
Scene 8. Ericlea doesn't believe Metalce's words, she feels mocked by him. When Micisda (her former lover) shows up to say goodbye, she seizes the opportunity to win him over for her revenge on Metalce. Micisda draws hope of being reunited with her (Aria Micisda: “Un'aura di speranza”).
Scene 9. Ericlea asks the gods for assistance in her revenge (Aria Ericlea: "Giusti numi che scorgete").
Scene 10. Metalce woos Rosmene again. In order to win her over, he informs her that he has let her father untie the chains. But Rosmene sticks to her rejection. He then threatens to have Sostrate executed immediately. Rosmene pleads for mercy for her father.
Scene 11. Sostrate arrives and finds Rosmene in a submissive manner at Metalce. He urges them not to humiliate themselves in front of the tyrant. He categorically rejects all offers of friendship and peace from Metalce (Aria Sostrate: "Salda quercia allor che incalza").
Second act
Palace with statues
Scene 1. Ericlea promises Micisda her heart, her hand and the kingdom if he helps her with her revenge. Micisda is enthusiastic (Aria Micisda: "Se il tuo bel labro chiede vendetta").
Scene 2. Metalce tells Viridate that he could never win Rosmene's heart because she blames him for her father's fall. Viridate should distance himself and go to his father in Denmark. Ericlea, who overheard the conversation from a distance, immediately recognizes Metalce's ulterior motive: He wants to get his rival out of the way. She interferes in the conversation, so that Viridate now also knows about Metalce's intentions on Rosmene. When Metalce appeals to his royal power, Ericlea warns him that he will regret his decision (Arie Ericlea: "Serba per altri rai").
Scene 3. Viridate confronts Metalce. The two of them quarrel. Rosmene tells her to rest, as she detests both of them as her father's enemies.
Scene 4. Vitalce declares that he will never do without Rosmene. His bravery would overcome Metalce's arrogance (Arie Viridate: “Del mio valore al lampo”).
Scene 5. Metalce has Sostrate brought in by the guards. Other guards bring a table and a tray with the Norwegian crown. Metalce offers Sostrate to reinstate him on the Norwegian throne if he marries his daughter - but if refused, he will be executed. Sostrate has Rosmene brought in to personally inform her of his decision.
Scene 6. Rosmene appears - followed by Viridate, who can no longer take his eyes off her. Sostrate makes them swear to obey his wishes. Then he tells her about Metalce's desire to marry and forbids her to go into it. As an affirmation, he throws the crown to the ground and crushes it. Metalce becomes enraged and demands Sostrates' immediate death. Viridate draws his sword to defend him. Metalce has them both put in chains in order to have them executed in agony (Aria Metalce: "Trucidati a queste piante").
Scene 7. Sostrate is reconciled with his former opponent Viridate and promises him the hand of Rosmenes. In anticipation of his imminent death, he asks his daughter to avenge him (Aria Sostrate: "Vado a morte, a te la figlia"). Rosmene and Viridate declare their love and say goodbye to each other. The two men are led away and leave Rosmene crying.
Scene 8. Rosmene begs Metalce to show mercy for her father and lover. Metalce agrees to spare either of them, but Rosmene must make the choice and write down the name of the person to be executed. To his delight, she decides to save her father and writes “Viridate mora” - “Viridate shall die”. Metalce leaves with the document.
Scene 9. Rosmene is left desperate. She has sentenced her lover to death (Arie Rosmene: "Chi mi sgrida, chi mi dice").
Third act
Horrible dungeon
Scene 1. Viridate, chained in the dungeon, laments his fate (Aria Viridate: “Ombre meste, oscuri orrori”). Ericlea informs him that the preparations for Metalce's wedding to Rosmene have already begun.
Scene 2. Sostrate arrives and also learns about the upcoming ceremony. Ericlea assures her allies will close off access to the temple.
Scene 3. Viridate and Sostrate are appalled by Rosmene's betrayal. On behalf of Metalce, Micisda shows the two of them the death sentence for Viridate described by Rosmene. Micisda assures him that this was the only way Rosmene could save her father's life. He is on their side, and his Norwegians and Ericlea's supporters are ready to revolt against Metalce (Arie Micisda: "Dopo il periglio").
Scene 4. When Rosmene tries to justify herself to Viridate and Sostrate, the two insult her as a traitor (Terzett Viridate / Sostrate / Rosmene: "Padre ... - Non vo 'ascoltarti").
Illuminated temple with a statue and an altar in the middle, above which the wedding flame burns, which then goes out and darkens the temple
Scene 5. To keep Metalce safe, Ericlea claims that Viridate will return to Denmark and that Sostrate will give him his daughter as a wife when he can rule Norway again. She herself also agrees. Metalce accepts and sends them to get the prisoners out of the dungeon. Ericlea triumphs over her successful deception (aria Ericlea: "Vedi, ingrato, e pensa oh Dio").
Scene 6. Metalce tells Rosmene that Viridate will not die but will leave for his homeland because he is no longer interested in her. He asks her to consent to the marriage - but Rosmene doesn't think about it. She only wishes his death (duet Metalce / Rosmene: "Volgi a me le vaghe ciglia").
Scene 7. Micisda reports on the revolt that has begun. Knowing nothing of Micisda's own involvement, Metalce hires him to lead the defense. Micisda thanks and rushes to betray him. Metalce is plagued by premonitions (Aria Metalce: "Trema il cor, s'oscura il ciglio").
Scene 8. Rosmene feels abandoned by Viridate (Aria Rosmene: “Perché non m'uccidi”).
Gothic arcades in the Palace of Metalces; on one side part of the city
Scene 9. The battle is in full swing. Trumpets and drums sound. Norwegian soldiers are cornered by Goths. Micisda and Ericlea already fear losing the battle. But then Sostrate and Viridate appear with more troops, and Micisda can also gather his people around him again. The Norwegians win. Sostrate itself overwhelms Metalce. He triumphs (Aria Sostrate: "Pur cadesti alfin dal soglio").
Scene 10. Ericlea tells Sostrate and Viridate about Rosmene's innocence: she only acted under duress. Rosmene is forgiven and can marry Viridate. Sostrate gets the Norwegian throne back. Metalce contrite admits his wrongdoing and finds back to Ericlea, who reluctantly forgives him. Together they want to rule over the Goths until Ericlea inherits the Norwegian throne from Sostrate. Only Micisda gets nothing. Everyone is happy about the happy ending (Tutti: “Con eco giuliva”).
layout
The conservative legacy still evident in Pergolisi's first opera seria La Salustia has given way to simplification in this opera. Instead of pathos, sentimentality prevails, which is particularly noticeable in the character of Rosmene. The accompanying figures appear schematic. Alberti basses appear for the first time in the heroic aria of Sostrate, accompanied by “ trombe da caccia ” at the end of the first act (“Salda quercia allor che incalza”) . Metalce's dramatic aria “Trema il cor” in the third act is also worth mentioning, in which he expresses his premonitions after an effective accompaniment recitative of the muted violins and “trombe da caccia”.
Music numbers
In addition to the obligatory tutti at the beginning and end as well as twenty solo numbers, the opera only contains a duet ("Volgi a me le vaghe ciglia" for the two alto voices of Metalce and Rosmene) and a trio ("Padre ... - Non vo 'ascoltarti" ):
first act
- Choir: "Splenda il sol di luce adorno" (scene 1)
- Aria Sostrate: "Premi o tiranno altero" (scene 1)
- Aria Metalce: "Che fiero martire" (scene 3)
- Arie Rosmene: "Fra tanti affanni miei" (scene 4)
- Arie Viridate: “Parto. Non ti sdegnar "(scene 4)
- Arie Rosmene: “M'intendeste? non pavento "(scene 6)
- Aria Micisda: "Un'aura di speranza" (scene 8)
- Aria Ericlea: "Giusti numi che scorgete" (scene 9)
- Aria Sostrate: "Salda quercia allor che incalza" (scene 11)
Second act
- Aria Micisda: "Se il tuo bel labro" (scene 1)
- Aria Ericlea: "Serba per altri rai" (scene 2)
- Aria Viridate: "Del mio valore al lampo" (scene 4)
- Arie Metalce: "Trucidati a queste piante" (scene 6)
- Aria Sostrate: "Vado a morte, a te la figlia" (scene 7)
- Arie Rosmene: "Chi mi sgrida, chi mi dice" (scene 9)
Third act
- Arie Viridate: "Ombre meste, oscuri orrori" (scene 1)
- Aria Micisda: "Dopo il periglio" (scene 3)
- Trio Viridate / Sostrate / Rosmene: "Padre ... - Non vo 'ascoltarti" (scene 4)
- Aria Ericlea: "Vedi, ingrato, e pensa oh Dio" (scene 5)
- Duet Metalce / Rosmene: "Volgi a me le vaghe ciglia" (scene 6)
- Aria Metalce: "Trema il cor, s'oscura il ciglio" (scene 7)
- Arie Rosmene: "Perché non m'uccidi" (scene 8)
- Aria Sostrate: "Pur cadesti alfin dal soglio" (scene 9)
- Tutti: "Con eco giuliva" (scene 10)
Work history
Il prigionier superbo is Pergolesi's second opera seria after La Salustia . After the 1733 carnival season had been canceled due to an earthquake that struck Naples on November 29, 1732, Pergolesi was commissioned to compose the composition on August 28, 1733 on the occasion of the birthday of Empress Elisabeth Christine . However, the premiere took place a few days later for unknown reasons.
The libretto is usually attributed to Gennaro Antonio Federico , who also wrote the librettos for several other works by Pergolesi. It is based on Francesco Silvani's La fede tradita e vendicata, which was first performed in 1704 in a setting by Francesco Gasparini at the Teatro San Cassiano in Venice. Other operas based on this text are by Giuseppe Maria Orlandini ( La fede tradita e vendicata , 1709), Antonio Vivaldi ( La fede tradita e vendicata, 1726), Leonardo Vinci ( L'Ernelinda, 1726), Antonio Bioni ( La fede tradita e vendicata , 1729), Baldassare Galuppi ( Ricimero, 1744), Gian Francesco de Majo ( Rodoaldo, re di Norvegia, 1760) and Giacomo Siri ( Ricimero, 1789). The libretto differs significantly from other librettos about the historical figure Ricimer . The text set to music by Pergolesi sticks closely to Silvani's original, apart from the changed role names.
| Silvani / Gasparini | Pergolesi | role |
|---|---|---|
| Ricimero | Metalce | King of the Goths |
| Rodoaldo | Sostrate | King of Norway |
| Ernelinda | Rosmene | Daughter of Rodoaldos / Sostrates |
| Edvige | Ericlea | Daughter of Grimoaldos / Clearcos |
| Vitige | Viridate | Prince of Denmark |
| Edelberto | Micisda | Prince of Bohemia |
Giovanni Battista Pinacci (Sostrate), Anna Bagnolesi Pinacci (Rosmene), Lucia Grimani (Metalce), Rosa Mancini (Ericlea), Castore Antonio Castori (Viridate), Anna Mazzoni sang the premiere on September 5, 1733 at the Teatro San Bartolomeo in Naples (Micisda). Accordingly, only the role of Viridate was sung by a castrato. Between the acts, Pergolesi's intermezzo La serva padrona premiered . A ballet by the choreographer Domenico Minelli d'Addati was also given.
While the intermezzo La serva padrona then triumphed around the world, Il prigionier superbo was quickly forgotten and only recently performed again.
Recordings and performances in recent times
- 27./28. September 1997 (CD; together with La serva padrona ; live from the Teatro Pergolesi in Jesi): Marcello Panni (conductor), Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiani. Ezio di Cesare (Sostrate), Lucia Rizzi (Rosmene), Adriana Cicogna (Metalce), Gabriella Morigi (Ericlea), Angelo Manzotti (Viridate), Alessandra Rossi (Micisda). Bongiovanni GB 2221 / 2-2.
- October 30, 2012 (video; together with La serva padrona ; live from the Teatro Pergolesi in Jesi; based on the critical edition of the score by Claudio Toscani): Corrado Rovaris (conductor), Henning Brockhaus (production and stage), Accademia Barocca de I Virtuosi Italiani. Antonio Lozano (Sostrate), Marina Rodríguez Cusí (Rosmene), Marina de Liso (Metalce), Ruth Rosique (Ericlea), Marina Comparato (Viridate), Giacinta Nicotra (Micisda). Arthaus-Musik 101654 (DVD) and 108068 (BD).
Web links
- Il prigionier superbo : sheet music and audio files in the International Music Score Library Project
- Libretto (Italian), Naples 1733. Digitized at Google Books
- Libretto (Italian) as full text in Varianti all'opera
- Il prigionier superbo (Giovanni Battista Pergolesi) in the Corago information system of the University of Bologna
- Prigionier superbo, Il. Work information on operamanager.com
- Il Prigionier Superbo. Work information on operabaroque.fr
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c Prigionier superbo, Il. Work information on operamanager.com , accessed on September 12, 2016.
- ↑ Information in the libretto
- ↑ La fede tradita e vendicata (Francesco Gasparini) in the Corago information system of the University of Bologna , accessed on September 12, 2016.
- ↑ La fede tradita e vendicata. Works relations on Corago , accessed on September 12, 2016.
- ^ Record of the performance on September 5, 1733 in the Teatro San Bartolomeo in the Corago information system of the University of Bologna .
- ↑ Il Prigionier Superbo / La Serva Padrona on tp4.rub.de , accessed on September 12, 2016.
- ↑ Pergolesi, Il prigionier superbo ( Memento from September 16, 2016 in the Internet Archive ) on Classica , accessed on September 12, 2016.
- ↑ Il prigionier superbo & La serva padrona. DVD information from Arthaus-Musik, accessed on April 15, 2018.
Li prodigi della divina grazia nella conversione e morte di S. Guglielmo duca d'Aquitania (Dramma sacro, 1731) | La Salustia (Opera seria, 1732) | Nerina e Nibbio (Intermezzo, 1732) | Lo frate 'nnamorato (Commedia per musica, 1732) | Il prigionier superbo (Opera seria, 1733) | La serva padrona (Intermezzo, 1733) | Adriano in Siria (Opera seria, 1734) | La contadina astuta (Intermezzo, 1734) | L'olimpiade (Opera seria, 1735) | Il Flaminio (Commedia per musica, 1735)