Andromache (opera)

Andromache refers to several operas based on the tragic figure of Andromache from Greek mythology, primarily drawing from Euripides' play Andromache and Homer's Iliad. Andromache was the wife of Hector, the Trojan hero, and her story is marked by loss, enslavement, and resilience in the face of immense suffering.

Operas titled Andromache or variations thereof explore themes of grief, captivity, the futility of war, and the enduring power of maternal love. The specific plot details, musical style, and librettist's interpretation vary depending on the composer and the era in which the opera was created. Notable operatic treatments include (but are not limited to):

• Early Baroque Operas: Several composers in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly during the Baroque era, penned operas whose plotlines centered on Andromache. These works often feature elaborate vocal displays and dramatic staging. Many have not survived in complete score.

• Operas based on Racine's Andromaque: Jean Racine's 1667 play Andromaque, which focuses on Andromache's predicament after the Trojan War, has also served as inspiration for operas, though these often have slightly different titles reflecting Racine's adaptation. The opera's story line involves the demands made upon Andromache to marry Pyrrhus (Neoptolemus), son of Achilles, for political reasons and the tragic consequences.

Due to the commonality of the character and the variations in title, tracing a single "definitive" Andromache opera is difficult. Research into specific composers and periods is needed to identify particular works based on the figure. The enduring appeal of Andromache's story guarantees continued reinterpretation in operatic form.