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L’incoronazione di Poppea
Claudio Monteverdi 1567 1643
Prologue
Fortune, Virtue and Love debate which of them has the most influence over humanity. Love is convinced that she is the most powerful of them all.
I
The Roman nobleman Ottone goes in search of his beloved Poppea, who has begun an affair with the emperor Nero. Nero wishes to marry Poppea and decides to divorce his wife Ottavia. Seneca, Nero’s mentor, attempts to change his mind but in so doing signs his own death warrant. Drusilla, one of Poppea’s maids, is in love with Ottone and tries to console him.
II
Seneca commits suicide at Nero’s command. Ottavia blackmails Ottone and makes him swear to kill Poppea. Disguised in a cloak of Drusilla’s, Ottone creeps up on the sleeping Poppea, but the murder is foiled by the sudden appearance of Love.
III
Drusilla is arrested and condemned to death after taking the blame for the attack on Poppea. Ottone hears this and relates what truly happened. Drusilla and Ottone are banished from Rome, as is Ottavia. Nero crowns Poppea as empress and the two sing of their love.
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