Alzira (opera)

Alzira is an opera in a prologue and two acts by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Salvatore Cammarano, based on Voltaire's 1736 tragedy Alzire, ou les Américains. It premiered at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples on 12 August 1845.

The opera tells the story of Alzira, an Inca princess, and her tragic love for the Spanish conquistador, Zamoro, amidst the turmoil of the Spanish conquest of Peru.

Roles:

• Alzira: (Soprano) An Inca princess
• Zamoro: (Tenor) Inca chief and Alzira's lover
• Gusmano: (Baritone) Governor of Peru
• Alvaro: (Bass) Gusmano's father
• Ovando: (Tenor) A Spanish officer
• Ataliba: (Bass) Alzira's father, Inca chief
• Zuma: (Mezzo-soprano) Alzira's confidante
• Otumbo: (Tenor) Inca warrior

Synopsis:

The opera is set in Peru during the Spanish conquest. Alzira is betrothed to Zamoro, but Gusmano, the Spanish governor, desires her. Gusmano captures Zamoro and attempts to force Alzira to marry him to secure his rule. In the end, Zamoro is mortally wounded, and before he dies, he forgives Gusmano, who then relinquishes his power and embraces justice. The opera ends with Alzira mourning the loss of her love.

Musical Highlights:

While not one of Verdi's most frequently performed operas, Alzira contains several notable musical moments, including Alzira's aria "Io no t'amai per l'aura" and Zamoro's aria "Irne lungi ancor dovrei!".