Idomeneo

Written when Mozart was twenty-five, Idomeneo reflects classic Enlightment ideals and Mozart’s profound humanity, in glorious music. The story —King Idomeneo and his soldiers are returning home from years of war when their ship is engulfed by a storm. Idomeneo offers the gods the sacrifice of the first human being they encounter on shore, in exchange for survival. That person is Idamante, the King’s son, who has meanwhile become a promising leader and is loved by both the Trojan princess Illia and the Greek princess Electra. Idomeneo reneges on his promise and a chain of catastrophies ravages the kingdom. As the protagonists struggle to save their people, the conflict with the gods is fatefully resolved.