George Frideric Handel (February 23, 1685 – April 14, 1759) composed Tamerlano (Tamerlane), a three-act Italian medieval drama. The libretto was an adaptation by Nicola Haym of Agostino Pioven's Tamerlano, tragedia per musica, which had been set to music by Francesco Gasparini, and performed in Venice in 1711.
Tamerlano was premiered in London, King's Theatre, Haymarket, Royal Academy of Music, October 31, 1724. The setting is in the Turkish city of Prusa (now Bursa), the capital of Bithynia in the early 15th century, occupied by Tamerlane.
Notable arias: "Forte e lieto" (Andronico), "Bella Asteria" (Andronico), "Se non mi vuol amar" (Asteria), "Par che mi nasca" (Irene).
Tamerlano is one of the great operas that George F. Handel composed in the early 1720s. The other two are Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar) and Rodelinda. In this opera, Handel treats the historical conqueror Tamerlane dramatically. There is much hopelessness in Bajazet who contemplates death at the beginning and succeeds in the end.
Character Roles of Tamerlano
- Andronico, Greek Prince (Countertenor or contralto)
- Bajazet, conquered Turkish Emperor (tenor)
- Tamerlano, Tartar Emperor (countertenor, contralto or bass baritone)
- Asteria, Daughter to Bajazet (soprano)
- Irene, Princess of Trebizond (mezzo or contralto)
Plot Summary / Synopsis of Tamerlano
Overture
Act 1
Scene 1. The Courtyard of Tamerlano's Palace
Bajazet, who is Tamerlano's prisoner, longs for death. Tamerlano has a fiancée, Irene, but loves Bajazet's daughter, Asteria . He decides to get Irene out of the way by marrying her to the Greek Prince Andronico. What Tamerlano does not know is Asteria and Andronico are in love.
Scene 2. Bajazet's Room in the Palace
Andronico proposes to Asteria. Bajazet refuses to let Tamerlano marry Asteria.
Scene 3. Atrium of the Palace
Irene loves Tamerlano but realizes he is hooked on Asteria.
Act 2
In an Anteroom Leading to Tamerlano's Study
Tamerlano is confident that he is going to win over Asteria. Andronico is concern and decides to take his case to Bajazet. Irene argues with Tamerlano but cannot persuade him to forget Asteria. Asteria assures Irene she will not marry Tamerlano, reviving Irene's hopes. Bajazet agrees to help Andronico which angers Tamerlano. He threatens Bajazet and Asteria.
Act 3
Scene 1. Courtyard of the Harem
As a last resort, Bajazet provides Asteria with a vial of poison. Tamerlano asks Andronico to argue his case with Asteria, but Andronico instead publicly declares his love for Asteria. Bajazet could not do anything as Asteria and Andronico declare their love for each other.
Scene 2. The Throne Room
Irene admits she can only love Tamerlano if only he returns her love. Bajazet poisons himself and dies, cursing Tamerlano. Eventually, Tamerlano decides to marry Irene, repents, and lets Asteria marry Andronico. He asks Irene's forgiveness.
Sources:
Opera by Alan Riding and L.D. Downer, DK, 2006
The Da Capo Opera Manual by Nicholas Ivor Martin, 1997
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