Often considered to be a forgotten masterpiece, the opera Niobe was written by Agostino Steffani who lived in Italy between 1654 and 1728. Steffani was greatly acclaimed in his day and his work admired for its originality by luminaries such as Handel. The opera was performed for the first time in Munich in 1688 but fell out of favor with audiences for many years - only being resurrected in recent times.
The story of Niobe is based on one of Ovid's tales - Metamorphoses and centers around the vain and proud Queen Niobe and her eventual downfall. Niobe is the Queen of Thebes and her boastful nature angers the gods. Her punishment is brutal including the slaughter of her own children but the opera itself is filled with magical love scenes via a subplot and even hints of comedy.
Characters in the opera include Queen of Thebes Niobe in a soprano part and Anfione the King of Thebes, sung by a male soprano. Poliferno (bass) is an evil magician with a grudge against the King and Clearte (counter-tenor) is the King's advisor who is secretly in love with Niobe. Another main character is Prince Creonte from Thessalonia who is tricked into attacking Thebes by Poliferno, this part is also sung by a counter-tenor.
The first act begins with the abdication of King Anfione who is handing over the crown to Queen Niobe. Clearte is appointed advisor to the queen with Anfione not realizing that Clearte is secretly in love with his wife. We are introduced to the characters of prince Tiberino and Manto who provide the opera's light-hearted, love story subplot.
Prince Creonte of Thessalonia is tricked by the evil magician Poliferno into attacking Thebes. The former king returns to protect his kingdom and does this by singing, which miraculously 'charms' the city walls into rising higher. Niobe declares her husband to be a god because of this amazing feat but is angrily warned by priest Tiresias that her boasting may enrage the gods who could seek vengeance.
The second Act begins with Niobe continuing to convince Anfione that he is indeed god-like. Magician Poliferno manages to trick prince Creonte into attacking Thebes and disguises him as the god of Mars to trick Niobe into falling in love with Creonte. Poliferno also uses his magic to have Anfione dragged away by spirit forces.
The final Act sees Poliferno warning Creonte and Niobe that the gods are enraged by their newfound love and are seeking vengeance. Poliferno and Creonte immediately flee the scene, breaking the magic, and Niobe realizes she has been tricked. Thebes is now restored to its former peaceful state but Niobe infuriates the gods again when Manto makes an offering to Latona, a goddess to bless her union with Tiberino. Niobe believes that the offering should be made to her as the wife of a god.
Punishment by the gods is swift with the palace burning down and Niobe's children being killed. Anfione commits suicide at the sight of his dead children and all this is too much for Niobe who in her despair turns to stone. Creonte is crowned king of Thebes and gives his blessing to the marriage between Tiberino and Manto but Poliferno is banished from the kingdom for his wicked ways.
The story of Niobe is based on one of Ovid's tales - Metamorphoses and centers around the vain and proud Queen Niobe and her eventual downfall. Niobe is the Queen of Thebes and her boastful nature angers the gods. Her punishment is brutal including the slaughter of her own children but the opera itself is filled with magical love scenes via a subplot and even hints of comedy.
Characters in the opera include Queen of Thebes Niobe in a soprano part and Anfione the King of Thebes, sung by a male soprano. Poliferno (bass) is an evil magician with a grudge against the King and Clearte (counter-tenor) is the King's advisor who is secretly in love with Niobe. Another main character is Prince Creonte from Thessalonia who is tricked into attacking Thebes by Poliferno, this part is also sung by a counter-tenor.
The first act begins with the abdication of King Anfione who is handing over the crown to Queen Niobe. Clearte is appointed advisor to the queen with Anfione not realizing that Clearte is secretly in love with his wife. We are introduced to the characters of prince Tiberino and Manto who provide the opera's light-hearted, love story subplot.
Prince Creonte of Thessalonia is tricked by the evil magician Poliferno into attacking Thebes. The former king returns to protect his kingdom and does this by singing, which miraculously 'charms' the city walls into rising higher. Niobe declares her husband to be a god because of this amazing feat but is angrily warned by priest Tiresias that her boasting may enrage the gods who could seek vengeance.
The second Act begins with Niobe continuing to convince Anfione that he is indeed god-like. Magician Poliferno manages to trick prince Creonte into attacking Thebes and disguises him as the god of Mars to trick Niobe into falling in love with Creonte. Poliferno also uses his magic to have Anfione dragged away by spirit forces.
The final Act sees Poliferno warning Creonte and Niobe that the gods are enraged by their newfound love and are seeking vengeance. Poliferno and Creonte immediately flee the scene, breaking the magic, and Niobe realizes she has been tricked. Thebes is now restored to its former peaceful state but Niobe infuriates the gods again when Manto makes an offering to Latona, a goddess to bless her union with Tiberino. Niobe believes that the offering should be made to her as the wife of a god.
Punishment by the gods is swift with the palace burning down and Niobe's children being killed. Anfione commits suicide at the sight of his dead children and all this is too much for Niobe who in her despair turns to stone. Creonte is crowned king of Thebes and gives his blessing to the marriage between Tiberino and Manto but Poliferno is banished from the kingdom for his wicked ways.
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