Act I
Amadigi and Dardano are attempting to flee the magic realm of the sorceress Melissa. Dardano realizes to his dismay that Amadigi is in love with Oriana, whom he secretly loves. Dardano slinks off to plot his revenge. Alone, Amadigi calls for the darkness of night to help cover his escape and find his beloved. He is halted by Melissa and her furies. Melissa threatens him with death for his betrayal, but as she still loves him, realizes she cannot destroy him. Melissa has imprisoned Oriana in an enchanted tower, and defies Amadigi to save her. At the fiery entrance to the tower, Dardano confesses to Amadigi that he also is in love with Oriana. Amadigi scorns him for his treachery and heads into the flames. Dardano, not brave enough to follow, watches in horror. Oriana is released from her captivity by Amadigi, and the scene transforms into a bucolic idyll. Amadigi and Oriana declare the joy of their reunion and plan to leave. The treacherous Melissa appears and has Oriana spirited away, leaving Amadigi alone and bereft.
Intermission
Act II
Amadigi wanders disconsolately through Melissa’s realm, and happens upon a ‘Fountain of Truth’. As he looks into its water, Melissa conjures up a false vision of Oriana and Dardano embracing. Devastated at Oriana’s apparent betrayal, Amadigi faints. Oriana enters, and seeing Amadigi’s seemingly lifeless body, decides to kill herself. Amadigi wakes and accuses Oriana of faithlessness. Oriana defends herself angrily and leaves. Amadigi, saddened, is about to kill himself with his own sword when Melissa appears and prevents him. Again she declares her love for him, and again he scorns her. Melissa transforms the scene into a ‘horrible cavern’ and has Amadigi detained. Dardano, alone, laments his fate. Melissa tempts him with a devious plan; she will transform his appearance into that of Amadigi, whereby he will able to seduce Oriana. Left alone with Oriana he declares his joy and his love for her. Dardano sees Amadigi in the distance and, afraid that Oriana will realize the deception, rushes off to kill him. The sound of fighting is heard, and Melissa enters in a fury, declaring that Amadigi has killed Dardano and ruined her plans. Oriana derides Melissa and declares her unwavering love for Amadigi. Melissa vows vengeance on them both by summoning all her terrible powers.
Short pause - please remain seated
Act III
The imprisoned Oriana consoles herself with the idea of dying for Amadigi. Melissa appears and grieves about her unrequited love for Amadigi. She resolves to banish all feelings of compassion. Amadigi and Oriana plead with Melissa for mercy; she however is intent only on persecution. Melissa summons the ghost of Dardano; he appears but denounces Melissa’s tactics, declaring that the heavens support the love of Amadigi and Oriana. Enraged, she resolves to kill both Oriana and Amadigi with her own hands, but is prevented by an ‘unseen force’. She realizes there is no option but to turn the dagger on herself. With a final reproach of Amadigi’s coldness, she kills herself. Oriana’s uncle, the magician Orgando, appears and releases the couple from Melissa’s spell. He declares a happy celebration as Amadigi and Oriana are finally united in love.
Synopsis courtesy of Betsy Schwarm Glesner with edits and additions
by Director Alessandro Talevi.
