Monday 16 March 2009

The Opera Hercules, Händel

Hercules (HWV 60) is a Musical Drama in three acts by George Frideric Handel, composed in July and August 1744.


Hercules has completed the Twelve Labours, and is returning from fighting. His wife Dejanira waits, neglected, in the palace at Trachis. She is tormented by her thoughts: she has heard that Hercules has captured Iole, daughter of the King of Oechalia, and plans to keep her as a slave and concubine. Hercules has seduced her, and has sacked Oechalia and killed her father in order to win her. Dejanira, accustomed to her husband's infidelities, resents the prospect of the young rival. She remembers that the centaur Nessus, when he was mortally wounded by Hercules, gave her a garment which he assured her would restore her husband's love for her when he put it on. She sends it to him, but the robe is poisoned, and Hercules dies. In dying he orders his son Hyllus to marry Iole. Realizing what she has done, Dejanira goes mad with grief.


Enjoy listening to a piece, I feel, I feel the God.

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