Semiramide is an opera in two acts by Gioacchino Rossini. The libretto was written by Gaetano Rossi based on Voltaire's tragedy Semiramis (it in turn based on the legend of Semiramis of Babylon). It was first performed in Teatro La Fenice, Venice on February 2, 1823. The Teatro alla Scala in Milan. ... Portrait Gioacchino Antonio Rossini (February 29, 1792 – November 13, 1868)[1] was an Italian musical composer who wrote more than 30 operas as well as sacred music and chamber music. ... A libretto is the complete body of words used in an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, masque, sacred or secular oratorio and cantata, musical, and ballet. ... François-Marie Arouet (21 November 1694 – 30 May 1778), better known by the pen name Voltaire, was a French Enlightenment writer, essayist, deist and philosopher. ... Semiramis (c. ... February 2 is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1823 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ...

Characters

• Idreno, an Indian king (tenor)
• Oroe, high priest of the Magi (bass)
• Assur, a prince, descendant of Baal (bass)
• Semiramide, Queen of Babylon, widow of King Nino (soprano)
• Arsace, Commander of the Assyrian army (contralto)
• Azema, a princess, descendant of Baal (soprano)
• Mitrane, Captain of the Guard (tenor)

Synopsis

Semiramide, with Assur, has secured the murder of her husband, King Nino. Her son, however, has escaped death and is now, as Arsace, a successful commander, his identity unknown to his mother. He is called back to Babylon, is in love with Azema and unwilling to support Assur in the latter's bid for the throne. Semiramide falls in love with him and declares him king and her consort, while Azema will marry Idreno. King Nino's ghost warns of crimes to be expiated and the high priest Oroe tells Arsace of the crime committed by his mother and Assur. Arsace, in the tomb of his father, meets King Nino's murderers, and seeking to strike Assur, kills Semiramide. He is finally declared King.

Perspective

Semiramide is Rossini's last opera seria. The extremely florid vocal style is often a vehicle for spectacular vocal display rather than an intrinsic part of the score. The ensemble-scenes (particularly the duos between Arsace and Semiramide) and choruses are also of a high order, as is the orchestral writing, which makes full use of a large pit. Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, which is often contrasted with speech. ...

Semiramide was Rossini's last opera for Italy; the title role was written for his wife, Isabella Colbran. The work starts with a well-known overture, and throughout it calls for outstanding singers in the leading soprano and contralto rôles. Semiramide is occasionally performed but is not part of the standard operatic repertoire.

Recordings

There are several recordings of Rossini's Semiramide, the most esteemed being the 1965-66 Decca recording pairing the soprano Joan Sutherland as Semiramide and the mezzo Marilyn Horne as Arsace. This version was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Bonynge. Decca may refer to: Decca Records, a 1929 British record label, also known as Decca Music Group Decca Radar (later Racal-Decca Marine), a British marine electronics manufacturer, a spin-off from the gramophone and records company Decca tree, a microphone recording system London Decca, a maker of turntable tonearms... The Sopranos is an American television drama broadcast on HBO about a fictional Italian-American Mafia family in Northern New Jersey. ... Joan Sutherland as Norma Dame Joan Sutherland OM, AC, DBE (born November 7, 1926) is an Australian opera singer noted for her contribution to the bel canto revival of the 1950s and 1960s. ... Mezzo may refer to one of the following: The Mezzo TV cable channel in Spain. ... Marilyn Horne The American opera singer Marilyn Horne (born January 16, 1934) is a mezzo soprano who is particularly associated with the music of Rossini and Handel. ... It has been suggested that London (orchestra) be merged into this article or section. ... Richard Bonynge (born September 29, 1930) is an Australian conductor. ...

There is also a more recent 1990 video recording of June Anderson and Marilyn Horne in an opulent production by the Metropolitan Opera. June Anderson (born December 30, 1952) is an American coloratura soprano. ... Marilyn Horne The American opera singer Marilyn Horne (born January 16, 1934) is a mezzo soprano who is particularly associated with the music of Rossini and Handel. ... The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, seen from Lincoln Center Plaza A full house at the old Metropolitan Opera House, seen from the rear of the stage, at the Metropolitan Opera House for a concert by pianist Józef Hofmann, November 28, 1937. ...