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Programme Note

BRIEF SYNOPSIS

Montezuma, a young Peruvian general, captures Acacis, the Mexican prince, in battle. The Inca invites him to choose his reward, but is little pleased when Montezuma asks for the hand of his daughter Orazia. Montezuma is forced to flee and joins up with the Mexicans. Having captured the Inca and Orazia, he proposes to keep them for himself and thus also alienates the Mexicans. To complicate matters, Zempoalla, Queen of the Mexicans, falls in love with Montezuma. In the last act, the intended sacrifice of the Inca, Orazia and Montezuma at “a bloody Altar” is halted by Acacis – also in love with Orazia – who commits suicide. Montezuma is proved to be the lawful king of the Mexicans: Zempoalla kills herself, Montezuma and Orazia are united.