• Joseph Haydn. Dramma eroico in three acts. 1784.
• Libretto by Nunziato Porta, after an episode in Torquato Tasso’s Gerusalemme liberata.
• First performance at Eszterháza on 16th February 1784.

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CHARACTERS

Armida	soprano
Rinaldo	tenor
Ubaldo, a Frankish knight	tenor
Idreno, King of Damascus	bass
Zelmira, promised bride of Idreno	soprano
Clotarco, a Danish knight	tenor

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In Haydn’s opera, performed on many occasions at Eszterháza during the years immediately following its composition, Rinaldo offers to help Armida defend Damascus against the crusaders. Resolving to follow duty rather than love, Rinaldo deserts her but is almost won over to her again, through her magic and the power of the magic myrtle in the enchanted wood. Rinaldo strikes the tree and is saved, still suffering pangs of love, but following the dictates of duty.