Idomeneo

By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

LOVE VS. DUTY

After King Idomeneo returns to Crete from the Trojan War, the high-stakes consequences of a desperate deal he struck with Neptune for safe passage reveal themselves when he must choose between his own son, Idamante, and the vow he made to the sea god, further complicated as Idamante is loved by both the Trojan princess Ilia and the jealous Greek princess Elettra. But when divine wrath is incurred, Idamante and Ilia prove their worth, prompting Neptune’s mercy.

Based on a 1705 play by Crébillion père, Mozart’s first mature opera demonstrates his mastery of orchestration, accompanied recitatives, and lyrical beauty. While it premiered in 1781 in Munich, it did not see its U.S. premiere until 1947, at Tanglewood.