Sebastian Durón

Ópera escénica deducida de la guerra de los gigantes

We publish in this first volume of the 'Música escénica' collection the Ópera escénica deducida de la guerra de los gigantes by Sebastián Durón (1660‐1716), chapel master of the Royal Chapel in Madrid between 1701 and 1706. According to our hypothesis, this work was commissioned by José Francisco Sarmiento de Sotomayor, V Count of Salvatierra, in order to celebrate the announcement of the wedding of king Philip V of Spain and Maria Luisa Gabriela of Savoy. This work begins with an «Introducción», where Fame, Immortality, Time and Silence celebrate the beauty of Maria Luisa and the announcement of the wedding. The Ópera escénica narrates the Gigantomachy episode, namely the war of giants, here commanded by Palante, and Jupiter and the other gods of Olympus. Finally, Hercules defeats the giants with the help of Minerva.

Orchestra and choir: trumpet, 2 violins ans bc; SSAT choir.

Roles:

In the Introducción: Fama (soprano); Inmortalidad (soprano); Tiempo (soprano); Silencio (soprano)

In the Ópera escénica: Júpiter (soprano); Minerva (soprano); Hércules (soprano); Palante (soprano)