from Act I, Scene 1 of the Italian opera Semiramide by Gioacchino Rossini

Libretto: Gaetano Rossi

Role: Arsace, the commander of the Assyrian army and unknowing son of Semiramide

Voice Part: contralto       Fach: contralto

Setting: the Temple of Baal, ancient Babylon

Synopsis: Arriving in Babylonia with a royal message from the army, Arsace rejoices in seeing his home once more. He expounds on his sense of duty to his father, who commanded him to visit the temple, and also on his love for Princess Azema.

from Act II, Scene 1 of the Italian opera Semiramide by Gioacchino Rossini

Libretto: Gaetano Rossi

Role: Arsace, the commander of the Assyrian army and unknowing son of Semiramide

Voice Part: contralto       Fach: contralto

Setting: the royal palace in ancient Babylon

Synopsis: The High Priest Oroe tells Arsace that he is actually the son of the late King and Semiramide and, therefore, the heir to the throne of Babylon. He also informs Arsace that Semiramide and Prince Assur killed the King in order to bring Assur to power. Arsace is both furious and sorrowful at this news. He laments the death of his father and then swears vengeance upon his murderers.

from Act II, Scene 2 of the Italian opera Semiramide by Gioacchino Rossini

Libretto: Gaetano Rossi

Role: Assur

Voice Part: bass-baritone       Fach: bass-baritone

Setting: the tomb of King Nino, ancient Babylon

Synopsis: After hearing that his crime of murdering the King has been revealed to the Babylonians, Assur is very upset and swears to kill Arsace. He realizes, though, that he is in big trouble and calls out to God for mercy. He once again regains his composure and swears to overcome his enemies.

from Act I, Scene 1 of the Italian opera Semiramide by Gioacchino Rossini

Libretto: Gaetano Rossi

Role: Idreno, a prince of India

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: lyric tenor

Setting: the Temple of Baal, ancient Babylon

Synopsis: Idreno hopes that soon his strife and yearning will be appeased by the love of Princess Azema. However, he is a little upset at the devious Prince Assur, who is trying to win the love of the princess as well.

from Act II, Scene 1 of the Italian opera Semiramide by Gioacchino Rossini

Libretto: Gaetano Rossi

Role: Idreno, a prince of India

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: lyric tenor

Setting: the royal palace in ancient Babylon

Synopsis: Although they are already engaged to be married, Princess Azema has just told Idreno that she wants to marry him. He rejoices at his good fortune, although he still admits to a little jealousy because other men are also in love with her.

from Act II, Scene 2 of the Italian opera Semiramide by Gioacchino Rossini

Libretto: Gaetano Rossi

Role: Semiramide, the Queen of Babylon, mother of Arsace

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: dramatic coloratura

Setting: the tomb of King Nino, ancient Babylon

Synopsis: After finding out that Arsace is her son, Semiramide worries that he will be killed by Assur, who helped her kill Arsace's father, the King. Arsace and Semiramide have made peace with each other, but Assur and Arsace are bitter enemies. She prays for Arsace's safety.

from Act I, Scene 1 of the Italian opera Semiramide by Gioacchino Rossini

Libretto: Gaetano Rossi

Role: Semiramide, the Queen of Babylon, mother of Arsace

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: dramatic coloratura

Setting: the Temple of Baal, ancient Babylon

Synopsis: Semiramide expresses her great joy that her general Arsace has returned to her side. She is in love with him, although she does not realize that he is actually her son.