page_title: Polifemo (opera)
section_title: Act 1
hierarchical_section_title: Polifemo (opera) / Synopsis / Act 1
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Die Sopranistin Francesca Cuzzoni (1696-1778) (?). Pastell, vermutl. von Rosalba Carriera (1675-1757) (?) English: portrait of the famous italian soprano Francesca Cuzzoni (1696-1778) (?); pastel, probably by Rosalba Carriera (1675-1757) (?)
context_page_description: Polifemo is an opera in three acts by Nicola Porpora with a libretto by Paolo Rolli. The opera is based on a combination of two mythological stories involving the cyclops Polyphemus: His killing of Acis and his being blinded by Ulysses.
  The last of five operas Porpora composed while residing in London, the opera premiered on 1 February 1735 at King's Theatre, and featured the famed castrato singers Farinelli and Senesino. Polifemo was Porpora's second-most popular opera, after his Arianna in Nasso.
context_section_description: Scene 1: A calm sea by the Sicilian shore, in sight of Mount Etna
  
  The chorus sings of two goddesses (Vien bell'Aurora). Galatea and Calipso lament  that they have fallen in love with mortals (Vo presagendo). As the chorus praises love (Febo tu ancora) Calipso leaves.
  Scene 2: The same
   
  Galatea's attempted exit is interrupted by Polifemo.  He desires Galatea and wonders why she is not impressed with his pedigree (he is the son of Neptune) or his superhuman strength.  Galatea states that she can not love him.  Polifemo responds that the flames in his heart are greater than those of Mount Etna (M'accendi 'n sen col guardo). Knowing of his tendency to rage and fury, Galatea wishes that he would understand she has fallen in love with the mortal Aci (Se al campo e al rio soggiorna). 
  Scene 3:  The ships of Ulisse are seen in the distance;  Ulisse disembarks with his entourage from one of the ships and is met by Aci.
  
  After a long and arduous journey, Ulisse is happy to have landed sees a cave that will serve as suitable accommodation. Aci warns Ulisse of Polifemo the giant cyclops who terrorizes people, killing and devouring them.  Aci explains that he knows the giant's routine and has been able to avoid him.  He urges Ulisse to leave.  But Ulisse wants to see the giant first; he explains his lack of fear in that "The greatest dangers are but common objects." (Core avvezzo al furore dell'armi).  Aci muses that Ulisse's bravery is the kind that can vanquish Polifemo.  He then sees Galatea, his love, approaching in a ship.  (Dolci fresche). 
  Scene 4: Another part of the shore with cottages belonging to fishermen.
  
  Calipso in disguise meets Ulisse.  He is taken with her beauty, while she assures him safety (Vedrai che veglia il cielo). 
  Scene 5
  
  Polifemo enters and is amused to find Ulisse ready to wage battle.  Recognizing his heroism, Polifemo pledges to protect Ulisse and his men, which Ulisse warily accepts but remains on guard (Fa ch'io ti provi ancora).
  Scene 6: A grove
  
  In a grove, Galatea is happy to be with Aci but wonders at Aci's lack of concern about Polifemo. Aci responds that he's not afraid of the giant. Galatea promises to visit the grove again in order to meet but must leave because of the approach of Polifemo. Aci responds that her presence gives him joy (Morirei del partir nel momento).  He leaves and Galatea wonders what the other sea nymphs will think of her affair with a mortal although she loves him. (Ascoltar no non ti volgio).
caption: Francesca Cuzzoni (1696–1778) the first Galatea
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