Tamerlano
Tamerlano (Tamerlane, HWV 18) is an opera seria in three acts by George Frideric Handel.
The opera was staged by the Royal Academy of Music in the King's Theatre at the Haymarket, London.
A tremendous success, Rinaldo created a craze in London for Italian opera seria, a form focused overwhelmingly on solo arias for the star virtuoso singers.
[5] The opera is scored for two recorders, two flutes, two oboes, bassoon, two horns, strings, and continuo instruments (cello, lute, harpsichord).
18th century musicologist Charles Burney wrote of Tamerlano: "the overture is well known, and retains its favour among the most striking and agreeable of Handel's instrumental productions..
Many of Handel's operas offer perhaps more specimens of his fire and learning, but none more pleasing melodies and agreeable effects.
[11] An authentic, fully staged production was mounted by the Haymarket Opera of Chicago in September 2024.
All performances were sold out at the Jarvis Opera Hall at DePaul University, wherein great attention to historial details of the original were paid.
Andronico tells Irene that she can still change the outcome if she pretends to be her own messenger and takes issue with Tamerlano.
Irene finds hope in this revelation, while Leone "comments only on love's irresistible power for good or evil".
However, Asteria protests that she has never been unfaithful and gets agreement from Bajazet, Andronico, and Irene, which gives her some feeling of happiness.
However, Andronico and Asteria declare their love for each other, which enrages Tamerlano and makes him swear his own revenge.
Bajazet tries to gain inspiration from their action, while the couple can only find happiness in facing together whatever may come of declaring their mutual love.
Tamerlano then orders Asteria to decide who first to give the cup to, her father or Andronico, before she may bring it to him.
As he becomes more incoherent, he says goodbye to his daughter and berates Tamerlano, until Andronico and Asteria carry him out of the room.
