Mitridate, re di Ponto

Mozart’s precocious genius has been an enduring source of admiration. While most teenagers were naturally cherishing dreams and thinking about matters appropriate for their age, he was composing Mithridate, his first opera seria with a libretto adapted from the eponymous tragedy by Racine. The work was immediately hailed as a masterstroke and its popularity boosted his budding career as a composer. It depicts the peculiar relationship between King Mithridate and his two sons, all three of whom are coveting the same woman. Young Aspasia is in fact promised to Mithridate, but her heart is with Xiphares. Against a backdrop of a war of succession to the throne and inevitable betrayals, Mozart has written a score full of energy and emotion. In keeping with the conventions of the opera seria form, the work is bursting with virtuoso arias for each performer. They are only reunited for the brief final quintet.

Production Théâtre des Champs-Elysées