Movie spotlight
Semiramide
In ancient Babylon, SEMIRAMIDE (Anderson) encourages her lover Assur (Ramey) to murder her husband, King Ninus. Her son, Ninius, disappears, believed dead, and Semiramide rules in her own right. 15 years later, as the opera opens, she is about to announce the name of her successor. Idreno (Olsen) and Assur are the leading candidates for the throne and the hand of Princess Azema (Shin), but Semiramide has taken a fancy to young Arsace (Horne), her victorious military leader who has been summoned back to Babylon. Only the high priest Oroe (Cheek) knows that Arsace is actually Ninius, spirited away to safety after the coup. As the queen announces Arsace as her successor, the ghost of her husband appears from his tomb, demanding that Arsace punish the late king’s murderers... Filmed at New York's Metropolitan Opera, John Copley's production of Rossini's last, longest and most elaborate dramatic opera brings together what many consider the definitive contemporary cast.
Insights
Plot Summary
Based on the opera by Gioachino Rossini, Semiramide tells the story of the Queen of Babylon, who, with her lover Assur, conspires to murder her husband, King Nino, to seize the throne. Unbeknownst to them, Nino's son, Arsace, has survived and returns to Babylon, leading to a complex web of mistaken identities, prophecies, and tragic events. The opera culminates in a dramatic confrontation where the truth is revealed, and Semiramide meets her fate.
Critical Reception
This television adaptation of Rossini's opera, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, was generally well-received for its lavish production and strong vocal performances, particularly from Marilyn Horne and June Anderson. It is often praised for bringing a complex operatic work to a wider audience with Zeffirelli's signature visual flair.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its grand visual spectacle and Zeffirelli's direction.
Recognized for the impressive vocal talents of the lead singers.
Seen as a successful staging of a challenging operatic work.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this 1990 television production is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
Franco Zeffirelli's production of 'Semiramide' for television was based on his earlier acclaimed stage production for the Metropolitan Opera, which also featured Marilyn Horne.
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