Idomeneo, K. 366

First performed in Munich in 1781, Mozart's Idomeneo is part of the Salzburg genius's rediscovery of the Greek world, alongside works such as Apollo and Hyacinthus (1767), Mitridate, re di Ponto (1770), Il sogno di Scipione (1772), and many others. Indeed, Idomeneo, King of Crete combines the immortal power of Greek myth with Mozart's musical excellence, creating a timeless work that continues to captivate audiences more than two centuries later.

The plot follows the adventures of the King of Crete, Idomeneus, upon his return from the Trojan War. His pride in winning the war is powerless against the storm that strikes his ship, and he implores the god Neptune to save him in exchange for a promise to sacrifice the first man he meets on land in Neptune's name. Fate dictates that this man is his own son, Idamante. While a true tragedy unfolds in Idomeneus's soul, Idamante and Princess Ilia—a Trojan captured during the war—yearn for a love that seems impossible given their opposing factions. The plot thickens and the worst seems to be on the verge of fulfillment: the sacrifice is about to take place, the blade descends on the young man's neck when not one, but two twists reveal the full theatrical genius of this tragedy!