Semele (HWV 58) is a 1743 opera (initially presented as an oratorio) in three acts by George Frideric Handel. It is based on the classical myth of Semele, mother of Dionysus.
• SYNOPSIS OF SEMELE [GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL]
Traditional Setting: Roman Mythic Times
The marriage of Semele to Athamas is being celebrated in Thebes. Semele seeks to postpone the ceremony, for she is in love with Jupiter. It is interrupted and Semele is carried off to Cithaeron. In her palace there, Semele revels in the love of Jupiter, who brings her as companion her sister Ino. Juno, enraged by her husband’s infidelity, calls on the god of sleep to arouse Jupiter with a dream so erotic that he can refuse no request that Semele might make; then, in Ino’s guise, she counsels Semele to demand that Jupiter come to her not in mortal form by as the Mighty Thunderer – only thus, she says, can Semele secure immortality. This Semele duly does when Jupiter, eager for her embrace, approaches her. Bound by his oath to comply with her request, he has to obey; inevitably, she is consumed by his fire. The people of Thebes mourn her but celebrate the birth from her ashes of a new deity, Bacchus.
ACT I
Near the altar is a golden image of the Goddess. Priests are in their solemnities, as after a sacrifice newly offer’d; flames arise from the altar, and the statue of Juno is seen to bow. Cadmus, King of Thebes, his daughters Semele and Ino, and Prince Athamas of Boeotia have assembled with priests: the marriage of Semele and Athamas is to be solemnized and the approbation of Juno, goddess of marriage, is noted and celebrated (Lucky omens). But all is not well. Cadmus and Athamas are both constrained to plead with Semele, whose unwillingness to proceed with the ceremony is plain. Semele begs help from Jupiter (Oh Jove! in pity), either, she says, ‘to incline me to comply, or help me to refuse’. Athamas construes her behaviour as actuated by her love for him and calls on Hymen to assist his pleas (Hymen, haste). It is now Semele’s sister Ino who delays the ceremony by expressing her sorrow: she herself is in love with Athamas and loath to lose him to Semele. None of the others comprehends, however, and they express only puzzlement and sympathy at her distress (Why dost thou thus untimely grieve).
Thunder is heard in the distance and the fire on the altar wanes. The priests note the bad omens (Avert these omens, all ye pow’rs! ) and the fire rekindles. But again it fades. Athamas pleads to Juno, and Semele to Jupiter. A loud clap of thunder is heard and the altar sinks. Fearing Jupiter’s wrath, all except Ino and Athamas flee (Cease your vows). Athamas mistakes Ino’s emotion for mere sympathy and upbraiding (You’ve undone me – With my life I would atone).
Cadmus, in mournful mood, returns with his attendants. He tells of the astonishing events that have just taken place: how Semele, surrounded by flames, was seized by a mighty eagle and snatched heavenward, leaving a diffusion of ‘Celestial odour and ambrosial dew’. Priests and Augurs enter, but the doom Cadmus expects is not forthcoming; rather, they sing of mirth and triumph and tell him to cease his mourning (Hail, Cadmus, hail!). From a distance Semele’s voice is heard (Endless pleasure, endless love); her song is taken up by the priests and the people.
ACT II
Juno, queen of the gods as well as goddess of marriage, and her attendant messenger, Iris, enter. Iris tells Juno about the ‘new-erected palace’ that Jupiter has provided for Semele on Mount Cithaeron (There, from mortal cares retiring). Juno is incensed at her husband’s new love and swears an oath of vengeance, not only on Semele but on all ‘Agenor’s curst race’ (Jupiter’s previous love had been Europa, daughter of the Phoenician king Agenor and aunt to Semele). Iris warns Juno of the dragons that protect Semele’s palace; Juno determines to call on Somnus, god of sleep, who can seal the ‘wakeful dragons’ eyes’ (Hence, Iris, hence away).
An apartment in the palace of Semele; she is sleeping, Loves and Zephyrs waiting.
Semele, waking, calls on sleep to return and restore her erotic ‘visionary joys’ (Oh sleep, why dost thou leave me?). Jupiter, in human form, enters and reassures her (Lay your doubts and fears aside); she responds amorously (With fond desiring). All sing of the pains and joys of love (How engaging, how endearing).
But Jupiter detects a certain discontent in Semele, which she explains as the consequence of her mortal state in a world of deities. He is disturbed at her dangerous aspirations to immortality (I must with speed amuse her). All sing in praise of Cupid (Now Love, that everlasting boy). As a distraction for Semele, Jupiter dispatches his winged Zephyrs to fetch Ino, her sister, from Thebes and bring her as a companion. He then turns the scene into Arcadia and celebrates rural delights (Where’er you walk).
Ino arrives and describes to Semele her unusual journey and the sweet music she heard (But hark! the heav’nly sphere turns round); the sisters, then everyone, praise the joys of music (Bless the glad earth with heav’nly lays!).
ACT III
The cave of Sleep; the God of Sleep lying on his bed. A soft Symphony is heard afterwards. Juno calls Somnus to wakefulness. He is reluctant to stir (Leave me, loathsome light!). She renews her call, mentioning the name of Somnus’s favourite nymph, Pasithea, to arouse him; he wakes and sings of his delight in the nymph (More sweet is that name). Juno commands him to instruct his attendant Morpheus to provide Jupiter with a dream ‘in shape of Semele, But far more beautiful, And more alluring’, to arouse his desire to such a pitch that he can refuse no favour she might ask as a condition for her love; further, Juno demands that Somnus hand over his leaden rod of sleep so that she can subdue the dragon sentinels and Ino, whom she intends to impersonate. Somnus duly complies (Obey my will – All I must grant).
Semele, alone, remains discontent (My racking thoughts by no kind slumbers freed). Juno enters, in the guise of Ino, holding a magic mirror; she lavishly praises what she calls Semele’s ‘divine perfection’ and wonders whether Jupiter has consented to her becoming immortal. She shows Semele her image in the mirror, deceiving her into thinking herself far more beautiful than she is; Semele revels in it (Myself I shall adore). Juno advises her to take full advantage of her situation and to demand that Jupiter come to her bed not as a mortal but ‘like himself, the Mighty Thunderer, In pomp of majesty and heav’nly attire’: only thus, she says, could Semele become immortal. Semele thanks her; as Jupiter approaches, Juno retires, elated at having duped the ‘vain wretched fool’ into destruction.
Jupiter enters and makes to embrace Semele; she looks kindly on him but retires a little. He pleads for her love (Come to my arms, My lovely fair); she keeps him at a distance (I ever am granting). He presses her to ask anything she requires; before she responds, she demands that he swear an irrevocable oath, by the River Styx, that he will not refuse her. He does so, calling on Olympus to shake in witness; its distant rumblings are heard. She tells him that he is to come to her not in human shape but as Jupiter himself. ‘Ah, take heed what you press’, he exclaims; but Semele, imagining that he is merely reluctant to accord her immortality, will not give way (No, no, I’ll take no less).
She goes to prepare herself. Jupiter, left alone, pensive and dejected, bitterly regrets his impetuous oath; for if he appears as the Mighty Thunderer ‘she must a victim fall’, for all that he may apply his ‘softest lightning’ and ‘mildest melting bolt’. Juno delights in her triumph (Above measure, Is the pleasure).
The scene discovers Semele while a mournful Symphony is playing. She looks up and sees Jupiter descending in a cloud; flashes of lightning issue from either side and thunder is heard grumbling in the air. Semele realizes the consequences of her vanity and ambition (Ah me! too late I now repent). Consumed by Jupiter’s fire, she dies.
In Thebes, Ino – now returned – is with Cadmus, Athamas and priests; they have witnessed the demise of Semele as some kind of fiery storm (Oh terror and astonishment!). Ino relates that Hermes, messenger of the gods, has told her of Semele’s fate, and also that Jupiter commands her and Athamas to wed; Athamas contentedly accepts the situation. A bright cloud descends and rests upon Mount Cithaeron, which opening, discovers Apollo seated in it as the God of Prophecy. Apollo predicts that a phoenix shall rise from Semele’s ashes, a god more mighty even than Love – it will be Bacchus, god of wine. Everyone celebrates this fortunate outcome (Happy shall we be).
◊ Act 1
Scene 1 |
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| The Scene is the Temple of Juno, near the Altar is a Golden Image of the Goddess. Priests are in their Solemnities, as after a Sacrifice newly offer’d: Flames arise from the Altar, and the Statue of Juno is seen to bow. Cadmus, Athamas, Semele, and Ino. |
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| 1st PriestBehold! auspicious Flashes rise;Juno accepts our Sacrifice;The grateful Odour swift ascends,And see, the Golden Image bends.1st and 2d Priest
Lucky Omens bless our Rites, And sure success shall crown your Loves; Peaceful Days and fruitfull Nights Attend the Pair that she approves. Cadmus Athamas Cadmus and Athamas Semele apart Athamas Ino Athamas Ino Semele Ino Cadmus Ino Athamas Semele Cadmus, Athamas and Semele Ino It lightens, and Thunder is heard at a distance; then, a Noise of Rain; the Fire is suddenly extigush’d on the Altar: the Chief-Priest comes forward. Chorus of Priests 2d Priest Flames are again kindled on the Altar, and the Statue nods. The Fire is again extinguish’d. Athamas apart Semele apart A loud Clap of Thunder; the Altar sinks. All but the Priests come forward. The Scene closes on the Priests, and shews to View the Front and Outside of the Temple. Cadmus leads off Semele, Attendants follow. Athamas and Ino remain. |
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Scene 2 |
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| Athamas O Athamas, what Torture hast thou born! And O, what hast thou yet to bear! From Love, from Hope, from near Possession torn, And plung’d at once in deep Despair.Ino Turn, hopeless Lover, turn thy eyes, And see a Maid bemoan, In flowing Tears and aking Sighs, Thy Woes, too like her own.Athamas She weeps! The gentle Maid, in tender pity, Weeps to behold my Misery! So Semele wou’d melt To see another mourn. Such unavailing Mercy is in Beauty found, Each Nymph bemoans the Smart Of every bleeding Heart, But where she herself inflicts the Wound. Ino Athamas Ino Athamas Ino Athamas Ino Athamas Ino Athamas Ino, Athamas |
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Scene 3 |
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| [To them] Enter Cadmus attended. | |
| Cadmus Ah, wretched Prince, doom’d to disastrous Love! Ah me, of Parents most forlorn! Prepare, O Athamas, to prove The sharpest Pangs that e’er were born: Prepare with me our common Loss to mourn.Athamas Can fate, or Semele invent Another, yet another Punishment?Cadmus Wing’d with our Fears, and pious Haste, From Juno’s fane we fled; Scarce we the brazen Gates had pass’d, When Semele around her Head With azure Flames was grac’d, Whose Lambent Glories in her Tresses play’d. While this we saw with dread Surprize, Swifter than Lightning downwards tending An Eagle stoopt, of mighty Size, On Purple Wings descending; Like Gold his Beak, like Stars shone forth his Eyes, His Silver plumy Breast with snow contending: Sudden he snatch’d the trembling Maid, And soaring from our Sight convey’d; Diffusing ever as he lessening flew Celestiall Odour, and Ambrosial Dew. Athamas Ino |
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Scene 4 |
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| Enter to them the Chief-Priest, with Augurs and other Priests. | |
| Cadmus See, see Jove’s Priests and holy Augurs come: Speak, Speak, of Semele and me declare the Doom.1st Aug Hail Cadmus, hail! Jove salutes the Theban King. Cease your Mourning, Joys returning, Songs of Mirth and Triumph sing.2nd Aug Endless Pleasure, endless Love Semele enjoys above; On her Bosom Jove reclining, Useless now his Thunder lies, To her Arms his Bolts resigning, And his Lightning to her eyes. Endless Pleasure, endless Love Semele enjoys above. 1st Priest Chorus of Priests and Augurs |
◊ Act 2
Scene 1 |
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| The Scene is a pleasant Country, the Prospect is terminated by a Beautiful Mountain adorn’d with Woods and Water-falls. Juno and Iris descend in different Machines. Juno in a chariot drawn by Peacocks; Iris on a Rainbow; they alight and meet. | |
| Juno IRIS, impatient of thy Stay, From Samos have I wing’d my Way, To meet thy slow Return; Thou know’st what Cares infest My anxious Breast, And how with Rage and Jealousie I burn: Then why this long Delay?Iris With all his Speed not yet the Sun Thro’ half his Race has run, Since I to execute thy dread Command Have thrice encompass’d Seas and Land.Juno Say, where is Semele’s Abode? ‘Till that I know, Tho’ thou hadst on Lightning rode, Still thou tedious art and slow. Iris Juno Iris Juno |
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Scene 2 |
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| The Scene chages to an Apartment in the Palace of Semele; she is sleeping; Loves and Zephyrs waiting. | |
| Cupid See, after the Toils of an amorous fight Where weary and pleas’d, still panting she lies; While yet in her Mind she repeats the Delight, How sweet is the Slumber that steals on her eyes! Come Zephyrs, come, while Cupid sings, Fan her with your silky wings; New Desire I’ll inspire And revive the dying Flames; Dance around her, While I wound her, And with Pleasure fill her Dreams.A dance of Zephyrs, after which Semele awakes, and rises.Semele O Sleep, why dost thou leave me? Why they visionary Joys remove? O Sleep again deceive me, To my Arms restore my wand’ring Love. |
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Scene 3 |
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| Two Loves lead in Jupiter. While he meets and embraces Semele, Cupid sings. | |
| Cupid Sleep forsaking, Seize him waking; Love has sought him, Back has brought him; Mighty Jove tho’ he be, And tho’ Love cannot see, Yet by feeling about He has found him out, And has caught him.Semele Let me not another Moment Bear the Pangs of Absence. Since you have form’d my Soul for Loving, No more afflict me With Doubts and Fears, and cruel Jealousie.Jupiter Lay your Doubts and Fears aside, And for Joys alone provide; Tho’ this Human Form I wear, Think not I Man’s falshood bear. You are Mortal, and require Time to rest and to respire. Nor was I absent, Tho’ a while withdrawn, To take Petitions From the needy World. While Love was with thee I was present; Love and I are one. Semele Both. If this be Love, not you alone, Semele Jupiter Semele Jupiter Semele Jupiter Semele Jupiter (apart) Semele Jupiter Semele Jupiter |
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Scene 4 |
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| Jupiter retires. Semele and Ino meet and embrace. The Scene is totally changed, and shews an open Country. Several Shepherds and Shepherdesses enter. Semele and Ino having entertain’d each other in dumb Shew, sit and observe the Rural Sports, which end the second Act. | |
| Jupiter retires. Semele and Ino meet and embrace. The Scene is totally changed, and shews an open Country. Several Shepherds and Shepherdesses enter. Semele and Ino having entertain’d each other in dumb Shew, sit and observe the Rural Sports, which end the second Act. | |
◊ Act 3
Scene 1 |
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| The Scene is the Cave of Sleep. The God of Sleep lying on his Bed. A soft Symphony is heard. Then the Music changes to a different Movement. | |
| Juno SOMNUS, awake, Raise thy reclining Head;Iris Thyself forsake, And lift up thy heavy Lids of Lead.Somnus (waking) Leave me, loathsome Light; Receive me, silent Night. Lethe, why does thy lingering Current cease? O murmur, murmur me again to Peace. sinks down again.Iris Dull God, can’st thou attend the Waters fall, And not hear Saturnia call!Juno Peace, Iris, Peace, I know how to charm him: Pasithea’s Name alone can warm him. Juno, Iris Juno Somnus (rising) Juno Somnus Juno Somnus Juno |
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Scene 2 |
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| Semele alone. | |
| Semele I love and am lov’d, yet more I desire; Ah, how foolish a Thing is Fruition! As one Passion cools. some other takes Fire, And I’m still in a longing Condition. Whate’er I possess Soon seems an Excess. For something untry’d I petition; Tho’ daily I prove The Pleasures of love, I die for the Joys of Ambition. |
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Scene 3 |
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| Enter Juno as Ino, with a Mirrour in her hand. | |
| Juno apart Thus shaped like Ino. With Ease I shall deceive her, And in this Mirrour she shall see Herself as much transform’d as me. Do I some Goddess see! Or is it Semele?Semele Dear Sister, speak, Whence this Astonishment?Juno Your Charms improving To Divine Perfection, Shew you were late admitted Amongst Celestial Beauties. Has Jove consented? And are you made Immortal? Semele Juno Semele Offering the Glass, withdraws her hand again. Juno Semele Juno Semele Juno Semele Juno Semele Juno |
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Scene 4 |
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| Jupiter enters, offers to embrace Semele; she looks kindly on him, but retires a little from him. | |
| Jupiter Come to my Arms, my lovely fair, Soothe my uneasie Care: In my Dream late I woo’d thee, And in vain I pursu’d thee, For you fled from my Pray’r, And bid me despair. Come to my Arms, my lovely Fair.Semele Tho’ ‘tis easie to please ye, And hard to deny; Tho’ Possessing’s a Blessing For which I could die, I dare not, I cannot comply.Jupiter When I languish with Anguish, And tenderly sigh, Can you leave me, deceive me, And scornfully fly? Ah fear not, you must not deny. Semele and Jupiter Jupiter Semele Jupiter Semele Jupiter Semele Jupiter Semele Jupiter Semele |
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Scene 5 |
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| She withdraws, Jupiter remains pensive and dejected. | |
| Jupiter Ah! whither is she gone! unhappy Fair! Why did she wish?—Why did I rashly swear? ‘Tis past, ‘tis past Recall. She must a Victim fall. Anon, when I appear The mighty Thunderer, Arm’d with inevitable Fire, She must needs instantly expire. ‘Tis past, ‘tis past Recall. She must a Victim fall. My softest Lightning yet I’ll try, And mildest melting Bolt apply: In vain—for she was fram’d to prove None but the lambent Flames of Love. ‘Tis past, ‘tis past Recall. She must a Victim fall. |
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Scene 6 |
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| Juno appears in her Chariot ascending. | |
| Juno Above measure Is the Pleasure Which my Revenge supplies. Love’s a Bubble Gain’d with Trouble: And in possessing dies. With what joy shall I mount to my Heav’n again, At once from my Rival and Jealousie freed! The Sweets of Revenge make it worth while to reign, And Heav’n will hereafter be Heav’n indeed. She ascends. |
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Scene 7 |
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| The Scene opening discovers Semele lying under a Canopy, leaning pensively. While a mournful Symphony is playing she looks up and sees Jupiter descending in a black Cloud; the motion of the Cloud is slow. Flashes of lightning issue from either side, and thunder is heard grumbling in the air. | |
| Semele Ah me! too late I now repent My Pride and impious Vanity. He comes! far off his Lightnings scorch me. —I feel my Life consuming: I burn, I burn—I faint—for Pity I implore— O help, O help—I can no more. Dies. As the Cloud which contains Jupiter is arrived just over the Canopy of Semele, a sudden and great Flash of Lightning breaks forth, and a Clap of loud Thunder is heard; when at one instant Semele with the Palace and the whole present Scene disappear, and Jupiter re-ascends swiftly. The Scene totally changed represents a pleasant Country, Mount Citheron closing the Prospect. |
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Scene 8 |
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| Enter Cadmus, Athamas and Ino. | |
| Ino Of my ill boding Dream Behold the dire Event.Cadmus, Athamas O Terror and Astonishment!Ino How I was hence remov’d, Or hither how return’d, I know not: So long a Trance whith-held me. But Hermes in a vision told me (As I have now related) The Fate of Semele; And added, as from me he fled, That Jove ordain’d I Athamas should wed.Cadmus Be Jove in every thing obey’d. Athamas Cadmus |
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Scene 9 |
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| A bright Cloud descends and rests on Mount Citheron, which opening, discovers Apollo seated in it as the God of Prophecy. | |
| Apollo Apollo comes to relieve your Care, And future Happiness declare. From Tyrannous Love all your Sorrows proceed, From Tyrannous Love you shall quickly be freed. From Semele’s Ashes a Phænix shall rise, The Joy of this earth, and Delight of the skies: A God he shall prove More mighty than Love, And a Sovereign Juice shall invent, Which Antidote pure The sick Lover shall cure, And Sighing and Sorrow for ever prevent. Then Mortals be merry, and scorn the Blind Boy; Your Hearts from his Arrows strong Wine shall defend: Each Day and each Night you shall revel in Joy, For when Bacchus is born, Love’s Reign’s at an end.Chorus Then Mortals be merry, etc. Dance of Satyrs exeunt omnes. |
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