About Me
'Mitridate, re di Ponto' (Mithridates, King of Pontus), K. 87 (74a), is an early opera seria in three acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The libretto is by Vittorio Amadeo Cigna-Santi after Giuseppe Parini's Italian translation of Jean Racine.Mozart wrote Mitridate while touring Italy in 1770. It was first performed at the Regio Ducal Teatro, Milan, on the 26th of December 1770 (at the Milan Carnival). The opera was a success, having been performed twenty-one times despite doubts because of Mozart’s extreme youth — he was 14 at the time. No revival took place until the 20th century. This opera features splendid vituoso arias for the principal roles, but only 2 ensemble numbers. The Act II ending duet between Aspasia and Sifare (Se viver non degg’io), and the brief quintet that ends the opera
Synopsis
The opera takes place in and around the Crimean port of Nymphæum in 63BC during the conflict between Rome and Pontus. Mitridate, having suffered a heavy defeat at a battle, is presumed dead. This false news is passed by Arbate, the Governor, onto his fiancee Aspasia and his sons, Farnace and Sifare.
ACT 1
Scene 1
Arbate, the governor of Nymphæum, welcomes Sifare. We learn that Sifare resents his brother, Farnace, because of his brother’s strong ties with their enemies, the Romans. Arbate pledges his loyalty to Sifare.
Aspasia pleas for Sifare to help her against advances by Farnace. He accepts her plea and reveals his love for her.
Scene 2
Farnace makes his advances on Aspasia. Aspasia refuses with support from Sifare who protects her from his forceful brother. News arrives that Mitridate is alive and is approaching the city. Arbate urges brothers to conceal their differences and greet their father. Brothers agree to hide their feelings for Aspasia. Farnace conspires with Marzio, Roman legionary officer, against Mitridate.
Scene 3
Mitridate arrives on the shores of Nymphæaum with princess Ismene, daughter of his ally the King of Parthia. Mitridate wants Farnace to marry Ismene, his promised bride. Ismene is in love with Farnace but senses problems and is worried about her future. Arbate tells Mitridate that Farnace is pursuing Aspasia not mentioning Sifare. Jealous Mitridate swears revenge on Farnace.
ACT II
Scene 1
Farnace scorns and threatens Ismene. She tells Mitridate who suggests that she should marry Sifare. Mitridate asks Aspasia for immediate marriage but she hesitates proving to him she is unfaithful.
Aspasia confesses love to Sifare but they both agree to part to save their honour. Sifare plans to leave and Aspasia is troubled with the conflict between love and duty.
Scene 2
Mitridate is aware of Farnaces plot against him with the Romans and plans his revenge despite Marzio’s offer of peace. He arrests Farnace to execute him. Ismene rescues the prince who admits treachery but implicates Sifare. Mitridate tricks Aspasia into admitting her love for Sifare and swears revenge. Aspasia and Sifare wish to die together in fear of Mitridate’s threats.
ACT III
Scene 1
Ismene, still in love with Farnace, tries to convince Mitridate to forgive Aspasia. Romans attack and Mitridate leaves for battle. Aspasia contemplates suicide by poison. Sifare also wants to die and joins his father in the battle.
Scene 2
Marzio liberates Farnace and promises the rule of Nymphæum to him. Farnace changes his mind deciding to side with Mitridate.
Scene 3
Mitridate commits suicide avoiding defeat. Before he dies he gives his blessing to Sifare and Aspasia and forgives Farnace who now agrees to marry Ismene. All four pledge to free the world from Rome
Premiere, 26 December 1770
Mitridate, King of Pontus -- (tenor) -- Guglielmo d'Ettore
Aspasia,the Queen -- (soprano) -- Antonia Bernasconi
Ismene, Parthian Princess -- (soprano) -- Anna Francesca Varese
Arbate, Governor of Nymphæa -- (soprano castrato) -- Pietro Muschietti
Sifare or Xiphares, Mitridate's son -- (soprano castrato) -- Pietro Benedetti (Sartorino
Farnace or Pharnaces, Mitridate's eldest son -- (alto castrato) -- Giuseppe Cicognani
Marzio or Marcius, Roman legionary officer -- (tenor) -- Gasparo Bassano
