Roles
Synopsis
The Prelude opens with an extended melody for violas, reflecting Fedra’s passionate desire for Ippolito. Fedra conceives an insane irresistible passion for her stepson, Ippolito, born of a previous relationship of her husband with the queen of Amazons. She tries to kiss Ippolito when he's sleeping. Ippolito is awakened by the kiss and they have a fight. He rejects her love for him and makes it very clear to her that he is not interested. Fedra is distraught by the passion of love, but at the same time, is furious at having been rejected by him. She conceives a feeling of hatred so strong as to make her want revenge. Teseo arrives at the palace just in time to see the son flee, without answering his father who had called him repeatedly. Fedra claimed Ippolito had raped her. Teseo, at first, thinks that his wife's accusation against his son may be a lie, but when Fedra provides him with the proof, Teseo, who is blinded by anger, invokes Poseidon to have Ippolito die on that same day. Ippolito loses his life that very day near the sea as a result of an accident. He fell from his horse and his head hit against a rock. When Teseo finds out the truth of the accusation, he throws himself against Fedra, announcing her death among cruel torments.Recordings
References
{{Ildebrando Pizzetti Operas by Ildebrando Pizzetti Italian-language operas 1915 operas Operas Operas based on works by Gabriele D'Annunzio Opera world premieres at La Scala Phaedra Theseus Works based on Hippolytus (play)