Serenata in two acts K. 208 (1775)
Libretto: Pietro Metastasio

Critics were unanimous in their praise of the opening production of the Mozart 22 project at the Salzburg Festival 2005: the premiere of the serenata "Il rè pastore" k.208. It was composed in early 1775 for the visit to Salzburg of Archduke Maximilian. As in "La finta giardiniera" of the previous year, it takes up the motif of the trials of love and virtue in a pastoral setting. The shepherd Aminta unexpectedly learns that he is the rightful heir to a kingdom. Initially delighted to become a king, Aminta loses his enthusiasm when he learns he must marry Tamiri instead of his beloved Elisa.

At 19, Mozart was no beginner, and his next work was to be "Idomeneo", which is generally considered to be his first operatic masterpiece. In "Il rè pastore" it is amazing how Mozart manages to infuse life into rigid conventions of the opera seria genre. There is dramatic impact and emotional depth, for example Aminta’s rondo "L’amerò, sarò costante" with obbligato solo violin; and there are poignant depictions of inner torment as in Agenore’s great aria supported by four naturla horns. The music is a panaorama of contrasting colours, a kaleidoscope of chang-ing moods that are given a sharp and brilliant profile in this performance.

Balthasar-Neumann-Ensemble

Recording dates: 22.07.| 27.07.| 29.07.2006
Venue: Great Hall of Salzburg University

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