Salammbo &; Dido : Two Operas

Two operas with classical themes. SALAMMB by Camille du Locle is based on Gustave Flaubert's well-known novel of the same name. The story is set in Carthage after the First Punic War, when mercenaries hired by the state revolt for lack of payment. The leader of the insurrectionists, Matho, falls in love with Salammb, daughter of General Hamilcar--and this obsession leads ultimately to his destruction. DIDO, by Jean-Franois Marmontel, is one of the best modern dramatizations of the great love story recounted by Virgil in his epic poem, The Aeneid. The Trojan prince Aeneas, who has sought refuge in Carthage after the destruction of Troy, falls in love with Queen Dido. She in turn spurns the affections of Yarbas, a Morrocan king, prompting an attack on the city. After defending Dido's honor, Aeneas is compelled by the gods to continue his journey to Italy, where he'll eventually become the founder of the Roman city and state. Two great tragedies of love won--and love lost!