Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Idomeneo
Идоменей
Mozart’s first operatic masterpiece returns to the Met in the classic Jean-Pierre Ponnelle production, conducted by Music Director Emeritus James Levine. The superb ensemble includes Matthew Polenzani as the king torn by a rash vow; mezzo-soprano Alice Coote in the trouser role of his noble son Idamante; soprano Nadine Sierra as Ilia; and soprano Elza van den Heever as the volatile Elettra, who loves Idamante to the bounds of madness.
The opera is set on the island of Crete in the aftermath of the Trojan War. The tales of this time have provided fertile grounds for creators of opera, from Monteverdi (Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria, 1640) to Berlioz (Les Troyens, 1863), to Richard Strauss (Die Ägyptische Helena, 1928), to Martin David Levy (Mourning Becomes Electra, 1967). The era is evocative, reflecting the confusion of a post-traumatic historical moment.
Actors
Ilia
Elettra
Idamante
Idomeneo
Arbace
Crew
On the coast, sailors make their way ashore in the storm, begging the gods to show mercy. As the sea calms, Idomeneo appears. He has not drowned, as had been reported, but has been saved by Neptune, god of the sea, after vowing to sacrifice to him the first man that he comes across. That man turns out to be his own son, Idamante, who has come to the shore seeking solitude after hearing of his father’s death. Idomeneo is horrified that he must kill his son, and at first he does not reveal his identity. He finally does so, but Idamante—knowing nothing of the promise to Neptune—does not understand why his father pushes him away so harshly. The Cretans, meanwhile, praise Neptune for the return of their king.
By the harbor, Elettra and the people of Crete praise the calm seas as she prepares to leave. Idomeneo dismisses his son. Idamante (who still knows nothing of his father’s promise to Neptune) is heartbroken at such treatment, but he prepares to leave with Elettra. Before they can set sail, though, another storm arises and a sea monster appears. Idomeneo confesses that it was he who has caused the god’s displeasure by breaking his vow, but he will not sacrifice an innocent victim. The people run from the monster.
ACT III
The High Priest of Neptune describes the destruction and death caused by the monster and demands that Idomeneo name the victim who must be sacrificed to appease Neptune. The king announces that the victim is his son, Idamante. The people are wracked with grief. The king and the priests prepare for the forthcoming sacrifice but are interrupted by news that Idamante has killed the monster. Idamante at last understands why his father has been cold to him: out of love, not hatred. He demands that the sacrifice proceed, as this is the price for peace in Crete. Ilia volunteers to take his place. But as Idomeneo is about to sacrifice his son, the voice of Neptune is heard proclaiming that if Idomeneo will step aside and yield the throne to Idamante and Ilia, the gods will be satisfied. Everyone rejoices except Elettra, who is horrified at the prospect of her beloved in the arms of her rival.
Idomeneo agrees to give up the throne to appease Neptune and pronounces his blessing on the union of his son with the Trojan princess. The people celebrate the happy couple.
Language
Italian
Runtime
4 hours 15 minutes, with two intermissions
2017
16+