L'incoronazione di Poppea (The Coronation of Poppea)

Considered one of the greatest operas of the 17th century, The Coronation of Poppea is Monteverdi’s final masterpiece. Composed in 1642, the Italian opera uses elegantly-crafted music of the Baroque era to paint a portrait of human beings wrestling with the demands of lust, honor, power and rank. Abandoning her old lover, Poppea only has eyes for Emperor Nero… and his crown. Ottavia, Nero’s wife and empress, crafts elaborate schemes and issues dire threats to hold onto her husband. But when the gods are on Poppea’s side, how can she lose? Lust triumphs over virtue in this landmark opera that ends with the hauntingly-beautiful “Pur ti miro” duet. Sung in Italian. There are no subtitles.