My favorite parts: La Clemenza di Tito
Eh it's kinda bad
My father is opera-obsessed. So it was his favorite operas that shaped my opera love. But the first opera that I discovered for myself was when I was a college student. There was a used records store in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Browsing the opera section, I came across Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito. It's considered quite chic to label it as Mozart's worst opera. I'm gonna admit it, it's not great. It's super flawed. Act 2 drags. I get bored a lot of the times. But it's the first opera I discovered for myself, so it's one of my true loves.
The reason why I love it is that there's this one aria that is so perfect: Parto, parto
Toxic situation ship
The premise of La Clemenza is about a Roman patrician Sesto who is best friend with Emperor Titus. Sesto's love is the previous emperor's daughter (Vitellia) who wants the throne for herself. So as Act 1 near its end, Vitellia demands that Sesto assassinate his Emperor to prove his love. Desperate, he agrees but Sesto begs her to look at him before he goes to commit the heinous deed.
I don't know what makes Parto, Parto my favorite opera of all time. Is it the solo clarinet that accompanies Sesto, interwoven through the music, rocking out like a guitar solo moment? Is it the opening line? Is it the part where Sesto sings:
"Guardami ! Guardami," (Look at me! Look at me.)
There's hundreds of interpretation for this one word. Cecilia Bartoli's interpretation is my favorite because she sings the first Guardami boldly (almost a command) and the second follows so softly. Timidly almost.
I think my favorite part, however, is the climax. After some minutes of lovely yearning, the music becomes hectic as Sesto has made the decision.
Ah qual poter, oh Dei!
Donaste alla belta.
Ah, ye gods, what power
you have given beauty!