Semele

Semele (Handel). Libretto by William Congreve; 3 acts; first performance London 1744 (concert perf.).

Temple of Juno in Thebes: Semele, daughter of Cadmus, King of Thebes, is about to marry Prince Athamas, who is loved by Ino, Semele's sister. The wedding is abandoned when Jupiter intervenes because Semele calls on the gods to save her from a loveless marriage and Jupiter is then attracted to her. He takes her off with him. His wife Juno is not pleased. She calls for help from Somnus, disguises herself as Ino, and persuades Semele to ask Jupiter to appear to her in his full glory as a god. When he reluctantly does so, Semele dies - Juno knew that since Semele is a mortal, she would be unable to withstand his divine power. Ino is now able to marry Athamas.