Apolo & Dafne | Summer 2023
composed by Sebastián Durón(1660-1716) and Juan de Navas(1650-1719)
Apolo y Dafne is a vibrant Spanish Baroque zarzuela that reimagines Ovid’s classic mythological tale into a high-energy theatrical comedy. Composed circa 1705, this unique collaboration features a sparkling first act by Royal Chapel master Sebastián Durón and a brilliant second act by court harpist Juan de Navas. Together, they laced the score with lively Spanish dance rhythms and rich emotional melodies that bring a spirited rivalry between Apollo and Cupid to life.
The narrative unfolds in the rustic countryside of Thessaly, beginning with Apollo's heroic victory over a monstrous python terrorizing the villagers. Flush with pride, Apollo mocks Cupid's archery skills, sparking a divine feud of revenge where Cupid unleashes his enchanted arrows—cursing Apollo with desperate love and the nymph Daphne with a fierce aversion to romance. Audiences experience a highly engaging spectacle filled with witty humor, dramatic laments, and intense emotional conflict that explores the timeless battle between reason and passion.
The Orchestra of New Spain performed Apolo y Dafne on May 13th-13th, 2023, at Moody Performance Hall. Federico Figueroa, stage director.
Jump right into the action of this performance with this exciting Act II opening scene!
The Story
Act I: A Clash of Divine Pride
The narrative opens in the rustic countryside of Thessaly, where Apollo arrives in a flash of glory to slay a monstrous python that has been terrorizing the local villagers. Flush with immense pride from his victory, Apollo cross paths with Cupid and mockingly insults his archery skills, boasting that the bow is a weapon meant only for true warriors. Enraged by this arrogance, Cupid swears immediate revenge. He crafts two magical arrows: a golden one to incite unstoppable passion, and a leaden one to instill a cold aversion to romance. Cupid tracks his targets, striking Apollo with the golden arrow and the beautiful nymph Daphne with the leaden arrow. The magic takes hold instantly—Apollo falls into a desperate, obsessive love, while Daphne is overcome with a fierce repulsion for romance and flees into the deep forest.
Act II: The Chase and Transformation
Deep in the wilderness, Daphne seeks comfort among her fellow nymphs, swearing a lifelong vow to remain unmarried, while a love-blind Apollo wanders the woods singing dramatic, emotional laments. Their high-stakes divine drama is briefly interrupted by local shepherds and comic characters (graciosos), whose witty banter and lively Spanish dance rhythms mock the absurd behavior of those under Cupid's spell. The tension peaks when Apollo spots Daphne and begins an intense, relentless foot chase through the forest brambles. Running out of strength, Daphne reaches the banks of her father's river just as Apollo stretches his arms out to trap her. She cries out to her father, the river god Peneus, begging him to destroy her physical beauty to protect her virtue. In a stunning theatrical climax, Daphne transforms into a rigid laurel tree. Humbled and heartbroken, a weeping Apollo declares the laurel his forever sacred tree, concluding the zarzuela with a grand chorus on the dangerous power of pride.