Idomeneo, rè di Creta, Opera by W. A. Mozart
Based on Greek mythology, Idomeneo, rè di Creta by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is an opera seria written by the great maestro in his mid-twenties. This Vienna State Opera production tells the story of the eponymous Cretan monarch who, having returned from the Trojan War, is faced with a near-impossible dilemma. Mozart himself referred to Idomeneo as his first 'grand opera' and its score still sounds impressive to this day, featuring highly complex orchestrations and some truly visionary musical passages that underpin the drama. The opera was first performed at the Cuvilliés Theatre in Munich on 29 January 1781.
The libretto was provided by Gianbattista Varesco and was based on an earlier adaptation of the story by the French composer André Campra. Mozart and his librettist did not always see eye to eye during the writing process, however. The composer made numerous cuts, which led to Varesco demanding that his lyrics be published in full. Despite their differences, the two collaborated once more on a work that would never be completed, L'oca del Cairo.
The story begins with Idomeneo sailing home to Crete after years away at war. A storm threatens to sink his ship, so the king vows to gain the favour of Neptune, the God of the Sea, promising to sacrifice the first living being he encounters. Unfortunately for the king, it is his own son, Idamante, who subsequently greets him. Into this tragic scenario, a love story unfolds. Idamante is in love with Ilia, a Trojan princess, while his father favours a match with Electra of Argos. Idomeneo hopes that a marriage between Idamante and Electra - which would take the young couple away from Crete - might spare his son's life. However, events take a more complicated turn as both divine and human forces conspire to shape their destinies.
The first time Idomeneo was performed at the Wiener Staatsoper was in 1879, establishing a long-standing history for the opera at this prestigious venue. In fact, Mozart chose to revise some sections of the work after it had premiered in Munich for Viennese audiences. Musicologists often note the French compositional style that Mozart adopts in Idomeneo. This can be most clearly detected in some of the transitions between recitative sections, arias and ensemble parts of the performance which are sublime in their seamlessness. This Vienna State Opera production draws out these influences with acute detail for a performance that will linger long in the memory.