Search - Richard Lewis, Ars Nova :: Mozart: Mitridate, re di Ponto, KV 87 (79)

Mitridate is the King of Pontus in Asia Minor. Pontus
is at war with mighty Roman Empire and is allied with
the Greeks. Mitridate is betrothed to Aspasia, who
has already been designated Queen of Pontus. He also
has two sons from two earlier marriages: the elder,
Farnace, who is secretly in league with the Romans,
and the younger, Sifare, who is loyal to his father and
combats the Romans. Both sons are hopelessly in love
with their father's betrothed Aspasia, and she returns
Sifare s feelings. Farnace and Sifare are thus rivals in
both love and war.
Mitridate has gone off to fight the Romans, has lost
the battle and rumour also has it that he has been
killed. His throne now stands open to his two sons,
both of whom have hastened to Pontus to take up the
struggle. And now the story begins.