Apollo et Hyacinthus

Background

Like Grabmusik, Apollo et Hyacinthus was written when Mozart was eleven. His first opera, it was commissioned by the grammar school attached to Salzburg University - since 1617 the school had had a tradition of performing an annual Latin school play, and it was customary to interpolate an additional short musical entertainment.

Apollo et Hyacinthus was therefore written in three short acts, each of which would have been performed in alternation with the spoken drama, and at the first performance, which took place on 13 May 1767, all the parts were taken by students. Like the play which surrounded it, the opera is written in Latin, to a libretto by the University's Professor of Syntax, Father Rufinus Widl.

In the original version of the myth as told by Ovid, Apollo was in love with Hyacinthus, accidentally killed him himself, and created the hyacinth out of guilt. The opera added the characters of Melia and Zephyrus to make the story more palatable to eighteenth century audiences, and in Mozart's hands the drama becomes much more about Zephyrus' guilt and deceit and the tensions that need to be resolved before the customary happy ending. Melia now becomes the focus of the love story, and Apollo creates the flower in Hyacinthus' memory out of grief rather than guilt.

Mozart's music already reveals an extraordinary instinct and ability to capture the essence of each dramatic situation, from Melia's joy at her proposed marriage with Apollo to Oebalus' grief and rage on discovering Zephyrus' guilt, and the emotional climax of the score arrives with their stunningly beautiful duet.

The Story

Part One
Recitative (Hyacinthus, Zephyrus, later Oebalus, Melia)
Hyacinthus and Zephyrus are finishing their preparations for a sacrifice which Oebalus has ordered in honour of the god Apollo. Zephyrus queries why the Laconians worship Apollo above any other gods, and Hyacinthus explains that although all gods are honoured at their altar, it is Apollo to whom they choose to pay homage, and from whom they seek protection. Zephyrus says that he would gladly worship Hyacinthus himself, but Hyacinthus' awkwardness at such an inappropriate sentiment is interrupted by the arrival of Oebalus and Melia. As storm-clouds gather, Oebalus orders the sacrificial fire to be lit.

No.1 Chorus - "Numen o Laconium"
The people offer their prayers to Apollo.

Recitative (Melia, Oebalus, Hyacinthus, Zephyrus)
As the storm develops, lightning destroys the altar and extinguishes the fire. Oebalus and Melia interpret this as an unequivocal sign that Apollo is displeased with them and rejects their prayers, but Hyacinthus, realising that Apollo's anger is merely the result of Zephyrus' earlier disrespect, offers comfort and encouragement.

No.2 Aria (Hyacinthus) - "Saepe terrent Numina" Hyacinthus maintains that the gods like to sport with us, but that there is no real cause for alarm.

Recitative (Oebalus, Apollo, Hyacinthus, Melia, Zephyrus) Oebalus is thanking Hyacinthus for easing his fears, when Apollo himself suddenly appears in person. Apollo expresses friendship, and assures Oebalus that their prayers will be answered. Zephyrus is understandably frightened and threatened by the god's arrival, but Melia is much taken with him.

No.3 Aria (Apollo) - "Iam pastor Apollo" Apollo explains that his main purpose and pleasure is to support and protect his followers.

Part Two
Recitative (Oebalus, Melia)
Oebalus informs Melia that Apollo has asked for her hand in marriage, and that although he gladly consented, the final choice must be hers. Melia, elated, asks where Apollo is - Oebalus tells her that he is throwing the discus with Hyacinthus and Zephyrus, but that he should be returning soon.

No.4 Aria (Melia) - "Laetari, iocare"
Melia rejoices in her great fortune and happiness, and rapturously looks forward to being treated like a goddess.

Recitative (Zephyrus, Oebalus, Melia) Zephyrus arrives to announce that Hyacinthus has been killed by a discus thrown by Apollo; his jealousy of Apollo is increased when he learns from the shocked response that the god had arranged to marry Melia, whom he loves. In an aside he admits that he himself was responsible for Hyacinthus' murder. While Oebaius goes to seek out Apollo, Zephyrus launches a savage attack on the god's character and behaviour, and starts to woo Melia.

No.5 Aria (Zephyrus) - "En! dues conspicis"
Zephyrus tries to persuade Melia to choose him as husband in preference to the 'wicked' Apollo.

Recitative (Zephyrus, Melia, Apollo) Zephyrus is terrified to see Apollo approaching. The god, having condemned Zephyrus' deceitful behaviour, transforms the murderer into a wind and has him borne away. Melia, however, now thinks that Apollo is a double-murderer.

No.6 Duet (Melia, Apollo) - "Discede, crudelis!"
Melia vents her fury on Apollo and orders him to leave the kingdom. Apollo's assertions of his innocence are in vain, and he contemplates spending his time on earth as an exile.

Part Three
Accompanied recitative (Hyacinthus, Oebalus) On the banks of the river Eurotas, Oebalus discovers his son still alive. With his final words Hyacinthus tells Oebalus that it is Zephyrus, not Apollo, who is responsible for his death.

No.7 Aria (Oebalus) - "Ut navis in aequore" Oebalus swears revenge on Zephyrus, and turbulently fluctuates between anger and grief.

Recitative (Melia, Oebalus) Melia arrives, to be informed by Oebalus of Zephyrus' guilt and Apollo's innocence. Both express their regret and concern at how they have treated the wronged god.

No.8 Duet (Oebalus, Melia) - "Natus cadit"
Father and daughter lament Hyacinthus' death and beg Apollo to return, Oebalus because his kingdom needs the god's protection, Melia because of her love for Apollo.

Recitative (Apollo, Oebalus, Melia) Apollo returns, and having decided to honour Hyacinthus by creating a new flower in his memory, transforms the body of the dead youth into a bank of hyacinths. Filled with wonder and shame, Oebalus and Melia apologise for not having trusted the god; Apollo forgives them, and reaffirms his desire to marry Melia and remain in Laconia.

No.9 Trio (Apollo, Melia, Oebalus) - "Tandem post turbida" After storms and sorrows, all are finally united in peace and joy.