page_title: Semele (Handel)
section_title: Act 3
hierarchical_section_title: Semele (Handel) / Synopsis / Act 3
caption_attribution_description: Joconde database&#58; entry 50410004307
context_page_description: Semele is a 'musical drama', originally presented "after the manner of an oratorio", in three parts by George Frideric Handel. Based on a pre-existent opera libretto by William Congreve, the work is an opera in all but name but was first presented in concert form at Covent Garden theatre on 10 February 1744. The story comes from Ovid's Metamorphoses and concerns Semele, mother of Bacchus. Handel also referred to the work as 'The Story of Semele'. The work contains the famous aria Where'er you walk.
  The work fuses elements of opera, oratorio and classical drama. Semele was presented during Lent, one of Handel's regular oratorio seasons. However it was not what London audiences were expecting of an oratorio during the solemn season of Lent. Semele has a secular text with a story involving an adulterous sexual relationship. It is distinguished from Handel's operas by the large number of polyphonic choruses. Semele was performed four times during its original run, and twice again later the same year, but those were the only performances in Handel's lifetime.
context_section_description: Juno and Iris arrive and wake Somnus (Accompanied recitative:Somnus, awake), to his displeasure (Aria: Leave me, loathsome light). He only gets out of bed when he hears Juno mention the beautiful nymph Pasithea (Aria: More sweet is that name). Juno promises he will have the nymph if he will lend her magical aid to put the dragons that guard the palace where Semele is ensconced as her husband's mistress  to sleep and transform her into the likeness of Semele's sister Ino. Somnus agrees (Duet:  Obey my will).
  Scene Two
  An Apartment. Semele alone
  Semele is still feeling rather unhappy about the discrepancy between herself and her lover (Aria: My racking thoughts). Juno, in the form of Semele's sister Ino, enters and feigns astonishment at Semele's increased beauty. She exclaims that Semele must have become a goddess herself and gives her a mirror (Behold in this mirror). Semele is enraptured by her own beauty (Aria: Myself I shall adore). "Ino" advises Semele to insist that Jupiter appear to her in his real, godlike form, and that will make her immortal herself (Accompanied recitative: Conjure him by his oath). Semele is very grateful for this advice (Aria: Thus let my thanks be paid). "Ino" leaves and Jupiter enters, eager to enjoy Semele (Aria: Come to my arms, my lovely fair) but she puts him off (Aria: I ever am granting). He swears to give her whatever she desires (Accompanied recitative: By that tremendous flood, I swear) and she makes him promise to appear to her in his godlike form (Accompanied recitative: Then cast off this human shape). He is alarmed and says that would harm her (Aria: Ah, take heed what you press), but she insists he keep his oath (Aria: No, no, I'll take no less) and leaves. Jupiter knows this will mean her destruction and mourns her impending doom (Accompanied recitative: Ah, whither is she gone). Juno triumphs in the success of her scheme (Aria: Above measure is the pleasure).
  Scene Three
  The scene discovers Semele under a canopy, leaning pensively, 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, granted her wish to see Jupiter in his true godlike form, is consumed by his thunderbolts, and as she dies she regrets her own foolishness and ambition (Accompanied recitative: Ah me! Too late I now repent). Watching this, the priests of Juno express their amazement (Chorus: Oh, terror and astonishment!). Athamas is now glad to accept Ino as his bride (Aria: Despair no more shall wound me). The god Apollo descends on a cloud and announces that the unborn child of Semele and Jupiter will arise from her ashes (Accompanied recitative: Apollo comes, to relieve your care). The child will be Bacchus, god of wine and ecstasy, a god "more mighty than love". All celebrate the fortunate outcome (Chorus: Happy, happy shall we be).
caption: Jupiter and Semele, by Gustave Moreau
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