Il Re Pastore

(The Shepherd King) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791).
Serenata in two acts. 1775.
Libretto by Pietro Metastasio.
First performance at the Archbishop's Palace, Salzburg, on 23rd April 1775.

CHARACTERS

Alexander in disguise and accompanied by Agenor hears from Amyntas of the merits of a simple life and is resolved to restore him to his proper position. He seeks to arrange a marriage between Amyntas and Tamiri, who is loved by Agenor, while Amyntas himself loves Elisa. Alexander, when he learns the true situation, magnanimously agrees to the marriages of the pairs of lovers.

Metastasio's Il re pastore is based on Torquato Tasso's play Aminta. The overture was used again by Mozart as the first movement of a symphony, with a following aria serving as a slow movement and with an added movement. The aria of Amyntas L'amerò (I shall love her) continued to enjoy considerable popularity in the concert-hall, as did his earlier aria Aer tranquillo (Calm air).