Semiramide Semiramide Zygophyllaceae Category="Italian-language operas"Category="Opera seria"Category="Operas"Category="Operas by Gioacchino Rossini"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.

Characters

Synopsis

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow. 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 Semiramis. He is finally declared King.

Semiramide is Rossini's last opera seria. Some critics argue that its extremely florid vocal style is not used for expressive effect but for spectacular vocal display. These critics, however, would do well to consider Rossini's effective ensemble-scenes (particularly the duos between Arsace and Semiramide) and choruses. This is to say nothing of orchestral writing which utilizes every choir in the pit, or of the dramaturgic sense Rossini's melodic ostinato demonstrates.

Semiramide was Rossini's last opera for Italy, the title-rôle written for his wife, Isabella Colbran. The work starts with an effective overture and in the first act includes Arsace's return, with Ah! quel giorno ognor rammento (Ah! I always remember that day) and the impressive aria Bel raggio lusinghier (Fair ray of hope). The opera calls for outstanding singers in the leading soprano and contralto rôles.

One of the most strange moments in this opera is the story line involving the struggle of Arsace, Idreno and Assur to get Azema as a wife. We never get to understand what Azema is all about because she doesn't even have an aria, the role is very unrewarding. Still, Azema is the subject of the tenor's two (one in each act) beautiful arias.

Semiramide is occasionally performed and is not part of the standard operatic repertoire. There are several recordings of it, the most famous being the Joan Sutherland - Marilyn Horne recording.