Demetrio e Polibio

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Demetrio e Polibio is a two-act opera by Gioachino Rossini with a libretto by Vincenzina Viganò-Mombelli. It was Rossini’s early work, first staged professionally on 18 May 1812 at Teatro Valle in Rome.

The story follows Polybius, king of Parthia, who protects his daughter Lisinga and her fiancé Siveno. Siveno is believed to be the son of Minteus, a minister of Demetrius, king of Syria, but he is actually Demetrius’s long-lost son. Demetrius, in disguise as a royal messenger named Eumeno, arrives in Parthia to take Siveno to Syria. Polybius refuses, and Demetrius abducts Lisinga instead. Tensions rise as Polybius and Siveno plead for Lisinga’s release, while Demetrius threatens to kill her unless Siveno is handed over.

The situation is resolved when Demetrius recognizes, through an old medallion, that Siveno is his son. He reveals his true identity, peace is restored, and Lisinga and Siveno’s marriage is celebrated.