Melodramma eroico in 2 acts
Libretto by Gaetano Rossi after Voltaire
First performed February 6 1813, Teatro La Fenice, Venice
Sung in Italian with German & English surtitles
Introductory talks (in German) in the Holzfoyer 30 mins before curtain up, available here on video shortly after opening night and everywhere where podcasts can be found.
While Syracuse is arming for war against the Sarazans, the King’s daughter Amenaide is charged with high treason for writing a letter to Solamir, leader of the Sarazans, professing her love. Just before her execution Tancredi, a knight banished from Syracuse, and Amenaide’s secret lover, returns, incognito. The letter was intended for him. Although he saves her from being executed, he starts doubting her fidelity. War with the Sarazans looms closer, and Tancredi’s to lead his people into the decisive battle.
As complicated as the libretto reads – including an intercepted letter and a forced marriage to end a family feud - Rossini’s music makes it totally clear. At the tender age of 20 Tancredi, his first opera seria, triggered his international career. It was performed from New York to Vienna until the mid-19th century, but today stands in the shadow of Rossini’s more amusing works. One reason for this was the end of the castrati era, blamed on making the title role a trouser role, sung by a mezzo-soprano. The score’s entirely indebted to the ideal of 18th century bel canto, exuding classical grace, while going in new compositional directions. Despite tragic developments, an almost light-hearted tone of arcadian weightlessness prevails.
