Overview
Synopsis
The Vestal virgin Julia finds herself divided between love and duty. She is duty bound to watch over the sacred flame in the temple. However, she is still in love with her former betrothed, the victorious general, Licinius. He tries to abduct her from the temple and while he escapes blame for profaning the temple, she is condemned for his intrusion and for allowing the sacred flame to go out. Julia is about to be executed when lightning strikes and the flame is renewed. This is taken as a sign of divine intervention on her behalf, and she and Licinius, whose attempts to exonerate her have failed, are re-united.
Show Information
- Music
- Gaspare Spontini
- Category
- Opera
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- Genres
- Time & Place
- rome about 269 bc
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters, Small Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Bass |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
Songs
Act 1
Returning to Rome after a victorious campaign, Licinius finds his beloved Julia has become a priestess of Vesta. Although Julia attempts to avoid going to Licinius's triumph, she is delegated to present him with a wreath. He tells her that he intends to kidnap and reclaim her.
Act 2
In the temple of Vesta, Julia guards the eternal flame and prays to be freed of temptation. Licinius arrives; during their rapturous reconciliation, the flame expires. Licinius is advised by Cinna to flee. Julia is interrogated by the High Priest but refuses to name Licinius. She is sentenced to death for licentiousness.
Act 3
Despite the pleas of Licinius, Julia is to be buried alive; even when he admits his intrusion to the Temple, Julia claims not to recognise him. A thunderstorm ensues, during which lightning reignites the sacred flame. Recognizing this as a sign from the Gods, the High Priest and Vestal Priestess release Julia who is then married to Licinius.
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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