Mozart's Idomeneo (PDF)

Deals and transactions with horrendous consequences are a standard feature of classical mythology. In order to survive a storm when returning to Crete from Troy, King Idomeneo, agreed with the god of the ocean, Neptune, that he would kill the first human he met on landing safely ashore. He did not anticipate that this person would be his son and heir, Idamante; or that the Trojan princess - who also survived, and who is his country's enemy and a prisoner - has fallen passionately in love with the youth. Thereby, Idamante has jilted his fiancee, the formidable Electra, a horror and a matricide, whose hysteria, as expressed in the recitative Estinto e Idomeneo? is a major feature of the opera.Mozart's early opera, premiered in Mannheim in 1781 is greatly admired especially for his characterisation. Its expressive recitative and arias anticipate stylistic features which would be developed in his later operas. But Idomeneo did not secure him the permanent appointment which Leopold, his father, knew he needed.The Quartet Andr ramingo, Idomeneo's aria Fuor del mar, Idamante's Ah qual gelido orror and No, la morte and Ilia's Zeffiretti lusinghieri are the subject of many recordings by Pavarotti among others.Short Guides to Great Operas written by Michael Steen, author of the acclaimed The Lives and Times of the Great Composers, are concise, entertaining, and easy-to-read books about opera. They are packed with useful information and informed opinion, helping to make you a truly knowledgeable opera-goer, and so maximising your enjoyment of a great musical experience.Each at around the price you pay for a standard opera-house programme, and available from all popular ebook retailers and ereaders, they are the perfect accompaniment to a night at an opera - whether that's at home, or at the opera house, or in the cinema for opera on screen, such as ROH Live, Met Opera HD Live, or Glyndebourne Festival in cinemas.