Mitridate (Porpora)

Mitridate is an opera seria in five acts composed by Nicola Porpora. The libretto was written by Girolamo Francesco Zanetti. It was first performed at the Teatro San Angelo in Venice on January 6, 1730.

The opera is based on the life of Mithridates VI, King of Pontus, a historical figure famous for his resistance against the Roman Republic. The story focuses on the complex relationships within Mithridates' family, particularly his rivalry with his sons Farnace and Sifare, and the love triangle involving them and Aspasia.

Porpora's Mitridate is notable for its demanding vocal writing, particularly the virtuoso arias for the castrato roles, a common feature of opera seria of the period. The opera's score includes a number of arias that display Porpora's skill in writing for the voice, and showcases the vocal abilities of the original performers.

While not as frequently performed as some other operas of the Baroque era, Mitridate (Porpora) is significant as an example of Porpora's operatic output and contributes to the understanding of the development of opera seria in the 18th century. Revivals and recordings have helped to bring renewed attention to this work.