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synopsis
Niobe, Regina di Tebe
Act One
The City of Thebes
Anfione, King of Thebes, has ruled for many years and is
weary of the pressures of the throne. His wife, Niobe, has
born him many children—her Niobids—and is inordinately
proud of them. Anfione decides to transfer power to his wife.
To this purpose he calls Prince Clearte back from voluntary
exile to serve as Regent to Niobe. Clearte is reluctant to accept
this rank. Nerea, the nurse to the queen, is aware of the source
of Clearte’s discomfort, and she encourages him to reveal his
feelings for Niobe. Clearte, left alone, laments his sad state.
A Forest on the outskirts of Thebes
Tiberino, a prince from a faraway land, is on a quest for fame
and glory. During the course of a hunt, he rescues Manto, a
young maiden in distress. She is overwhelmed by gratitude,
and introduces Tiberino to her blind father, Tiresia, the High
Priest of Latona. Tiresia is also clairvoyant, and reveals that
Tiberino is the son of a King. Manto is smitten, but declares
that she serves the goddess Latona, and has not yet
worshipped at the altar of Cupid, god of Love. Tiberino is
charmed by her naiveté. Left alone, Manto laments her
inexperience and inability to express her feelings.
On their way to Thebes, the magician Poliferno has enchanted
Creonte, Prince of the rival state of Thessaly. Poliferno casts a
spell that causes Creonte to believe that he is in love with
Niobe. The magician rouses the Prince and promises to help
him to win the queen and the throne of the kingdom to further
the cause of Poliferno’s family vendetta against Anfione.
The City of Thebes
Meanwhile, back in Thebes, Anfione devotes his time to the
study of the Harmony of the Spheres, and Niobe encourages
him. Clearte arrives with the news that Creonte’s army is
invading the country. Anfione reluctantly returns to his royal
duties. Niobe toys with Clearte under the shrewd eye of
Nerea. Nerea cynically rails about the emotional neediness of
women.
Creonte and Poliferno have reached Thebes, and find their way
through a secret passage into the city. To protect his people,
Anfione invokes Jove’s help with a hymn, and his prayer causes
walls to rise and encircle Thebes. When she sees this feat,
Niobe is convinced of her husband’s divinity, and asks the
people to bow down and worship Anfione as the new Theban
god. High Priest Tiresia is appalled by this blasphemy, and
s y n o p s i s
protests vigorously. Niobe will suffer no dissent and throws
the old man to the ground, forcing him to make obeisance to
her husband. Anfione, still in a trance and oblivious to the
conflict, finds comfort in Niobe’s praise. Tiresia is left on the
ground, hurt and alone, where Manto and Tiberino find him
and are appalled by this abuse.They entrust him to the care of
Tiberino’s companions. Manto takes comfort from Tiberino,
and the young couple explores their feelings for each other.
Tiberino is touched by Manto’s inexperience, and he resolves
to declare himself to her. His companions congratulate him
and tease him about his new love.
Act Two
The City of Thebes
Poliferno uses magic to hide himself and Creonte in a cloud
so that they can observe Niobe unseen. Clearte and the
Theban court arrive, still in awe of Anfione’s power and the
raising of the walls. The Thebans, their confidence renewed,
rally to engage the Thessalian invaders, but Clearte struggles
with his unrequited love for Niobe.
The queen arrives, and declares her desire to raise Clearte to
the throne. Clearte is reluctant to defy Anfione, but Niobe
justifies her command by explaining that Anfione has
relinquished his royal responsibilities. The king arrives, and
is shocked to see Clearte in his place. Niobe placates Anfione
by offering him a place more suited to his station, and
presents a celestial shrine worthy of his godlike powers.
Anfione is beguiled by her plan, and enters the starry vault.
The whole court is compelled to make obeisance to their new
god. Poliferno interrupts the idolatry and abducts Niobe.
Anfione, frightened and alone, laments the disappearance of
his wife.
A Forest on the outskirts of Thebes
Tiresia, confused, cannot clearly discern the omens, but before
he leaves, he reveals to Tiberino that the prince’s quest will be
fulfilled not by success in war, but by other conquests. Manto
arrives with her companions, and confesses her affections to
Tiberino, but he decides to wait for a better time to reveal his
feelings for her. Manto, left alone, is puzzled by his reticence.
Poliferno, disguised as Mercury, leads Niobe through the
forest. He flatters her by telling her that the god Mars has
chosen her as his wife. Niobe is ecstatic at this turn of fortune.
Posing as Mars, Creonte is able to declare his love for the
queen. Under Poliferno’s spell, the couple is transported by
amorous rapture.
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NIOBE, REGINA DI TEBE