About the work
Zelmira is an opera seria in two acts by Gioachino Rossini to a libretto by Andrea Leone Tottola, based on Dormont de Belloy's tragedy "Zelmire" (1762). It premiered on 16 February 1822 at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples — Rossini's last opera written for that city, starring Isabella Colbran and Giovanni David.
Plot
On the island of Lesbos, the usurper Azor believes he has killed King Polidoro in a temple fire and seizes power. The traitor Antenore has Azor murdered and takes the throne himself, while Polidoro's daughter Zelmira secretly keeps her father hidden. When her husband, the Trojan prince Ilo, returns, Zelmira is falsely accused of murder. Only the revelation that Polidoro is alive exposes the conspirators Antenore and Leucippo and restores order.
Cultural significance
Audiences praised Rossini's score, while the convoluted, twist-laden plot was criticised as implausible even at the premiere. Zelmira marks the close of Rossini's Neapolitan period, shortly before he turned decisively toward Vienna and Paris.