Il Paride

Il Paride is an Italian opera in five acts composed by Tommaso Traetta, with a libretto by Marco Coltellini. It premiered on 21 August 1775 at the Imperial Theatre of Saint Petersburg.

The opera is based on the story of Paris (Paride in Italian), the Trojan prince whose abduction of Helen ignited the Trojan War. Coltellini's libretto presents a more sympathetic and nuanced portrayal of Paride than traditional accounts, emphasizing his internal conflict and the influence of divine intervention. The work is considered a significant example of Traetta's operatic reforms, blending elements of French and Italian opera styles. It features elaborate choral numbers, dramatic recitatives, and emotionally charged arias. The opera was commissioned by Catherine the Great of Russia and intended to showcase the grandeur of her court.