Parthenope Defeated, Dramatic Cantata in One Act

Characters

Parthenope (Alto): The Neapolitan siren who desires to rule the World with her enchanting wicked voice
Erato (Soprano): The goddesses of Music, song and dance, imprisoned by Parthenope on the shore of Naples
Antonius (Alto): The Prince of La Serenissima with the ambition to save Erato and defeat Parthenope
A chorus of Nymphs

The Muse Erato raised the young Neapolitan siren Parthenope to adulthood. However, once Parthenope achieved fame and glory, she became intoxicated with victory. She seized control of the arts and imprisoned the voice of dissent, Erato, on the shores of Naples. A young prince from Venice, Antonius, came to rescue Erato. Inspired by the king of Ithaca, who had once defeated the siren‘s enchantment, Antonius plugged his ears with beeswax. Feigning praise and submission to Parthenope’s magical voice, he struck her through the heart with a sword when she was triumphantly gloating.

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Plots

Aria: Death of Parthenope

After being pierced by Antonius‘s sword, Parthenope laments her arrogance and negligence before dying.

Cavatina: Enormous days that I spent

Subsequently, Antonius unties the bound Erato (Recitative: Now the Music is liberated), and the liberated Erato reflects on how music has been freed from a singular voice and has returned to freedom and harmony.

Chorus: Viva Viva Antonius

The chorus of water nymphs sings an inspiring hymn, celebrating the overthrow of the tyrant in music.

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Lyrics

Parthenope (aria):
You barbarous! Here comes the day
My arrogance has become
My own grave
My temple of Art is
A cell to blind my heart
May Neapolitans forget my injustices
But remember my talent

Antonius:
(recitative)
Now the Music is liberated!

Erato:
(recitative)
What a miracle!
(aria)
Enormous days that I spent
Among the opaque smoke of Vesuvius
Beneath the dominant waves of Naples
I have forgotten the refreshing
Blissful whispers from Nature
Monotonous percussions of sounds
Have rendered Music into
Terror of artificial repetitions
​
Bright star from the North
Breaks the darkness of violence
Ascends from the celestial sky
Eases my horror and suffer
From now I can finally
Reside in the liberty and harmony

Chorus of Nymphs:
(Chorus)
Viva Viva Antonius!
For his bravery and wisdom
The tyrant of Music has been slain
May this harmonious kingdom
Flourish in kindness and openness
What a terror of crime
To rule the Muse with one voice!