Credits:

Emmanuelle Haim

Description:

The opera *Mithridates, King of Pontus*, which Mozart composed at the age of 14 under great pressure, was the first *opera seria* (a serious opera) he ever undertook. Modeled after the historical King Mithridates VI (Mithridate), the opera depicts the relationships between the king and his two sons, Farnace and Sefale, as well as the complex psychology of the kings fiance, Aspasia, and the quick-witted princess Ismene; each character is given a magnificent aria. Although he received the commission in July 1770 and composed the entire work with astonishing speedcompleting it by the end of December of that same yearthe piece is of exceptionally high quality. Having witnessed the success of its premiere, Mozart went on to release a series of works in this genre the following year, including *Ascanio in Alba* and *Lucio Silla* in this genre one after another the following year. In this performan