Notes on Rossini's Mose in Egitto
Moses in Egypt, an Italian Opera in Three Acts by Gioachino Rossini
Mosè in Egitto (Moses in Egypt), an Italian tragic (seria) opera by Gioachino Rossini: opera plot synopsis, character description, and other Rossini opera infor
Gioachino Rossini's opera Mosè in Egitto (Moses in Egypt), an Italian verson, is a tragic opera in three acts. Rossini produced a revised Italian version performed in 1819, with Moses praying to God for liberating them to freedom in the final scene. It went on to become one of the most popular and moving scenes of the 19th century.
The master violinist Paganini was so inspired that he composed a most poignant violin variations taken from this melody.
Facts about Mosè in Egitto (Moses in Egypt)
- Composer: Gioachino Rossini (February 29, 1792 – November 13, 1868)
- Libretto: Andrea Leone Tottola. Based on tehe tragedy "L'Osiride" by Francesco Ringhieri.
- Language: Italian
- First Performance: Naples, Teatro San Carlo, March 5, 1818. Second version was performed March 7, 1819.
- Setting: Egypt in Biblical times.
- Opera in Three Acts. 5 Scenes, Italian version
There is also a French version Moïse et Pharaon, ou Le passage de la Mer Rouge (Moses and Pharaoh, or The Passage Through the Red Sea, performed nine years later, on March 26, 1827, in Paris Opéra. The French version has 4 acts, libretto by Luigi Balocchi and Victor-Joseph Etienne de Jouy, based after the libretto of this Italian version.
The Main Characters in Mosè in Egitto (Moses in Egypt)
- Osiride, Pharaoh's son (tenor/bass)
- Mosè (bass)
- Elcia, a young Isrealite in love with Osiride (soprano)
- Amaltea, Pharaoh's wife (mezzo-soprano)
- Pharaoh (bass)
- Mambre, Egyptian Priest (tenor)
Plot Summary (Synopsis) of Mosè in Egitto (Moses in Egypt)
Act 1
*Mosè brings down hail and fire*
God brings darkness and plagues in Egypt as a punishment since the Pharaoh doesn't want to release the Israelites from bondage. The Pharaoh asks Mosè to do something about it and to intecede before God. Mosè did. God lifts His punishment. The Pharaoh tells Mosè that he and his people are free to go. Osiride, the Pharaoh's son is in love with the young Israelite Encia and fears that they will be parted forever. The Pharaoh's son Osiride, objects because he is in love with the Israelites maiden Elcia. He appeals to the Egyptian priest Mambre for help. Mambre and Osiride persuade the king to revoke his decree over the objections of the Pharaoh's wife, Amaltea. Mosè is angered and brings down a storm of hailstones and fire.
Act 2
The Pharaoh once again is afraid and orders the Israelites to leave. The Pharaoh sees Osiride's unhappiness, and breaks his promise to let the Israelites go. Mosè warns him and threatens that God will punish them again with another plague. Osiride tries to kill Mosè. A lightning strikes Osiride dead. Elcia laments her lovers death.
Act 3
By the shore of the Red Sea, Mosè prays to God and begs him to save his people. With his rod, Moses strikes the waters and they split apart, allowing the Israelites to safely cross. When the Egyptian army subdues them, the waters close in on them. Mosè and his people thank God for saving them.
Operas by Rossini
- Tancredi
- L'italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers)
- Il Barbieri di Siviglia (The BARber of Seville)
- Guillaume Tell (William Tell)
- Il Signor Bruschino (Mister Bruschino)
- La gazza ladra (The Thieving Magpie)
- Armida
- Mosè in Egitto (Moses in Egypt)
- Semiramide
- La Scala di Seta (The Silken Ladder)
- Le Comte Ory (Count Ory)
Sources Consulted
Opera, Ed-in-chief András Batta, Könemann (2000)
The Da Capo Opera Manual by Nicholas Ivor Martin (1997)
