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.

Synopsis

Place: around the Crimean port of Nymphæum

Time: 63BC during the conflict between Rome and Pontus

Prologue

Mitridate, having suffered a heavy defeat in battle, is presumed dead. This incorrect news is passed by Arbate, the Governor, to Aspasia (Mitridate's fiancée) and to Farnace and Sifare (Mitridate's sons).

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 pleads 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 to Aspasia. She refuses, supported by Sifare, who protects her from his forceful brother. News arrives that Mitridate is alive and is approaching the city. Arbate urges the brothers to conceal their differences and greet their father. The 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. The jealous Mitridate swears revenge on Farnace.

Act 2

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 that 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 by the conflict between love and duty.

Scene 2

Mitridate is aware of Farnace's plot against him with the Romans; he plans his revenge, despite Marzio’s offer of peace, and arrests Farnace to execute him. Ismene rescues the prince, who admits his 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 3

Scene 1

Ismene, still in love with Farnace, tries to convince Mitridate to forgive Aspasia. The 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 him the rule of Nymphæum. Farnace changes his mind, deciding to side with Mitridate.

Scene 3

Defeated, Mitridate commits suicide, avoiding captivity. 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.

Program and cast

Sung in Italian, surtitled in French and English
Approximate running time 3h30

Sergey Romanovsky | Mitridate
Jessica Pratt | Aspasia
Olga Bezsmertna | Sifare
Rose Naggar-Tremblay | Farnace
Maria Kokareva | Ismene
Alasdair Kent | Marzio
Nina van Essen | Arbate

Christophe Rousset | direction
Les Talens Lyriques