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Music: Georg Friedrich Handel. Lyrics: Agostino Piovne, arranged by Nicola Haym.
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First performance: London, King´s Theatre 31 oktober 1724
| Role | Voicetype |
|---|---|
| Andronico | alto |
| Asteria | soprano |
| Bajazete | tenor |
| Irene | alto |
| Leone | bass |
| Tamerlano | alto |
The despot Tamburlaine has imprisoned the Ottoman emperor Bajazet, with whose daughter,Asteria, he has fallen in love (despite his engagement to Iren, princess of Trebizond).Bajazet attempts suicide but is reminded by Andronicus, a Greek prince and Tamburlaine´s ally, that his death would leave his daughter an orphan. Unknown to to Tamburlaine, Andronicus and Asteria are in love. Tamburlaine, in need of Andronicus´s help in breaking down Bajazet, offers the prince Irene´s hand in marriage. Andronicus is horrified at the suggestion and so Tamburlaine agrees to release the emperor on the condition that he be allowed to marry his daughter. Bajazet refuses. Meanwhile, Asteria, accuses Andronicus of siding with Tamburlaine in return for Irene´s hand and her kingdom, and renounces her love. Irene arrives to find she is to marry not Tamburlaine but his aide Andronicus.
Andronicus persuades Irene to disguise herself and plead her cause to Tamburlaine. This she does, and she is joined by Asteria who admits that she loves Andronicus. Tamburlaine decides to take as his wife, claiming that if she fails to please him he can always turn to Irene. Bajazet is appalled to hear that his daughter is to join Tamburlaine on his throne. Andronicus swears death to himself and Tamburlaine if Asteria marries him, not realizing that Asteria plans to murder the monster herself. Her father enters the throne room, determined to prevent the marriage; after various complications Bajazet demands his daughter step down in favour of Irene or he will kill himself. She eventually does as she is asked, and both father and daughter are sentenced to death.
Tamburlaine commands Andronicus ti inform Asteria that she is still welcome at his side, but she professes her love to Andronicus. Asteria attempts to poison Tamburlaine, but Irene warns Tamburlaine, who demands Asteria and her father drink first from the poisoned cup. As she brings the cup to her mouth, Andronicus knocks it to the floor. Asteria is sent into slavery. Tamburlaine takes Irene as his wife and Bajazet dies by his own hand. Andronicus´s attempted suicide is prevented by Tamburlaine, who magnanimously concedes that too much blood has already been shed. He allows Asteria freedom to marry Andronicus.
Adress:http://www.mogensoperasidor.se/tamerlanoenglish.htm