MEDIATHEK

Ilia’s apartments in the royal palace. Idomeneo, king of Crete, is on his way home after an absence of many years, during which he fought with the Greeks in the war against Troy. In the meantime his son Idamante has aroused violent passion in Elettra, who has taken refuge in Crete after the murder of her mother Clitennestra. But Idamante loves Ilia, daughter of Priam, king of Troy. Ilia is a captive of the Cretans and is torn between her burgeoning love for Idamante and her honour as a Trojan princess, which forbids her to love an enemy of her country (aria “Padre, germani, addio!”). She therefore rejects Idamante’s declarations, leaving him forlorn (aria “Non ho colpa, e mi condanni”). To celebrate his father’s impending arrival, the prince announces to the people of Crete that the Trojan prisoners are to be freed (chorus “Godiam la pace”). Only Elettra, consumed with jealousy, accuses Idamante of insulting Greece. The festivities are interrupted by Arbace, who brings news of the death of Idomeneo, shipwrecked with all his retinue. Idamante is terrified and hastens to the seashore. Elettra, fearing that Idamante will ascend the throne and make Ilia queen of Crete, vents her rage and swears to revenge herself on her rival (aria “Tutte nel cor vi sento”). The beach by a still rough sea. A fierce storm rages on Idomeneo’s fleet (chorus “Pietà ! Numi, pieta!”). Neptune appears among the waves. To appease his wrath, Idomeneo vows to sacrifice the first person he meets on going ashore. The sea grows calm and the fleet lands safely. Idomeneo, alone on the beach, muses on his rash promise (aria “Vedrommi intorno”). A young man approaches and Idomeneo, while talking to him, recognises his own son Idamante, whom he had left as a child in Crete. But instead of embracing his son, he rejects him and flees in horror. Idamante is astonished and saddened by his father’s behaviour (aria “Il padre adorato”). Meanwhile the warriors come ashore to a rapturous welcome from the Cretan women. Gratitude is expressed by all to Neptune for his clemency (march and chorus “Nettuno s’onori”). (Quelle: http://www.teatroallascala.org) / jst Fernsehregie: Tina Protasoni