Program Notes by Martin Pearlman

Mozart was commissioned to write Idomeneo for the 1780-81 carnival season in Munich, and the soprano castrato Vincenzo dal Prato (1756-1828) was engaged to sing the important dramatic role of Idamante.  It was not a happy experience for Mozart.  Dal Prato, he said, had to be taught every single note and was a poor actor to boot; his singing was "shameful" and he did not know how to perform cadenzas or recitatives.  Mozart, who could be a ruthless critic, referred to him sarcastically as "mio molto amato castrato dal Prato."  He made cuts in the music because of dal Prato's dramatic limitations and, at one point, wondered whether dal Prato would be able to perform the role at all and considered replacing him.  Nonetheless, the premiere took place on January 29, 1781 with dal Prato in the cast and was a success.  Whether it was due to his experience with dal Prato or other reasons, Mozart subsequently adapted the role of Idamante for tenor.  The opera was heard in that form at a private performance in 1786, its only revival during his lifetime.

In the years following Idomeneo, dal Prato continued to work at the electoral court in Munich, receiving a pension upon his retirement.  Despite Mozart's view of him, he was well-liked personally and was appreciated by many for his lyrical style of singing, although his acting was acknowledged to be weak. 

In the aria "Il padre adorato," Idamante is alone after meeting his father Idomeneo, whom he had thought dead.  Idomeneo has survived a terrible storm only after promising the gods that he will sacrifice the first person he meets on shore.  When that person turns out to be his own son, he forbids him to approach and flees.  Idamante has recognized him and expresses his confusion and despair at being rejected by the father he loves.

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