Composed
by Christoph Graupner (1683–1760)
on a German and Italian libretto by Barthold
Feind (1678–1721), Antiochus und
Stratonica,
or “Lovesick,” as the work is alternately
titled (L’amore ammalato oder Die kränkende
Liebe) was first performed at the Hamburg’s
Theater-am-Gänsemarkt in 1708. Filled with
heart-wrenching drama, hilarious comic interludes,
dazzling sets and costumes, spirited dances,
astonishing special effects, and magnificent
music, Antiochus und Stratonica continues the
Hamburg theatre’s rich tradition of German
cosmopolitan opera with French and Italian influence
while maintaining BEMF’s commitment to
rediscovering great Baroque opera masterpieces
and presenting them in entertaining period
style.
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Antiochus
and Stratonice by Jacques-Louis David (1774) |
Set
in ancient Persia, the Plutarchian tale
of Antiochus and Stratonica may not be familiar
to modern audiences, but it was enormously
popular through the 18th century, inspiring
numerous
works of art and music. Graupner’s opera
recounts the tragic tale of the Syrian prince
Antiochus, who falls hopelessly in love with
his beautiful young stepmother Stratonica. When
Antiochus, son of King Seleucus, meets his father’s
new wife Stratonica, he is immediately struck
by her exquisite beauty. Believing his desires
for Stratonica can never be realized, Antiochus
goes mad and takes to his deathbed. While examining
the prince, the court physician discovers that
his heart races whenever Stratonica enters the
room and notifies the distraught king of the
true nature of Antiochus’ illness:
he is lovesick. In order to save his son
and heir,
King Seleucus relinquishes his throne and
pronounces Stratonica and Antiochus man and
wife, while
the assembled crowd of royalty and deities
rejoices
in the healing power of love.
Cast |
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Holger Falk, baritone |
Antiochus, Crown Prince, son of Seleucus |
Claire Debono, soprano |
Stratonica, Seleucus’ new wife, daughter of King Demetrius |
Tuva Semmingsen, mezzo-soprano |
Mirtenia, a Persian princess and magician |
Christian Immler, baritone |
Seleucus, King of Syria, father of Antiochus |
William Hite, tenor |
Negrodorus, a comic servant, Harlequin, and master of ceremonies |
Marcus Ullmann, tenor |
Demetrius, Royal Treasurer and Prince of royal blood |
Amanda Forsythe, soprano |
Ellenia, wife of Demetrius |
William Sharp, baritone
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Erasistratus, a Macedonian surgeon and Ambassador of the King of Macedonia
(known as Hesychius for most of the opera) |
Boston performances
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 7pm
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 7pm
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 7pm
Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 7pm
Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 3:30pm
Cutler Majestic Theatre at Emerson College
219 Tremont Street, Boston, MA
Great Barrington performances (The Berkshires)
Friday, June 19, 2009 at 7pm
Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 7pm
Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 2:30pm
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA
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