Tenor recitative from Act III of Mozart's opera "Idomeneo" with Sir Peter Pears singing the title role from a production by the English Opera Group with Benjamin Britten conducting. (Please note the clip identifies incorrectly this music as Idomeneo's aria from Act III.) June 10th, 1969, from the Blythburgh Church, Aldeburgh Festival. (Sung in English.)
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Watch videos with other singers performing Popoli a voi l'ultima legge:
SCENA ULTIMA Idomeneo, Idamante, Ilia, Arbace. Seguito d'Idomeneo, d'Idamante, e d'Ilia; popolo
No. 30 - Recitativo
IDOMENEO Popoli, a voi l'ultima legge impone Idomeneo, qual re. Pace v'annunzio, Compiuto è il sacrifizio, e sciolto il voto, Nettuno, e tutti Numi a questo regno Amici son. Resta, che al cenno loro Idomeneo ora ubbidisca. Oh quanto, Oh sommi Dei, quanto m'è grato il cenno! Eccovi un altro re, un altro me stesso: A Idamante mio figlio, al caro figlio Cedo il soglio di Creta, e tutto insieme Il sovrano poter. I suoi comandi Rispettate, eseguite ubbidienti, Come i miei eseguiste, e rispettaste; Onde grato io vi son: questa è la legge. Eccovi la real sposa. Mirate In questa bella coppia un don del cielo Serbato a voi. Quanto a sperar vi lice! Oh Creta fortunata! Oh me felice!
English Libretto or Translation:
FINAL SCENE Idomeneo, Idamante, Ilia, Arbace, retinues of Idomeneo, Idamante and Ilia; populace
No. 30 - Recitative IDOMENEO My people! Idomeneo gives you his last command as king. I announce peace. The sacrifice is completed, my vow redeemed. Neptune and all the gods smile upon this kingdom. One thing remains, that Idomeneo now obey their demand. O mighty gods, how I welcome your command! Here is another king for you, my other self. To Idamante my son, my dear son, I relinquish the throne of Crete together with all sovereign power. Respect his commands, and follow them obediently, as you have followed and respected mine, for which I am grateful to you! Thus I now order. And here is the royal bride! Behold in this handsome pair a gift bestowed on you by heaven. You have so much to hope for! O fortunate Crete! What happiness for me!