The opening scene strikes the note of romanticism which
echoes through the whole opera. Armida, a princess deeply versed in
magic arts, laments that one knight, and one only, in the army of the
Crusaders has proved blind to her charms. All the rest are at her feet,
but Rinaldo alone is obdurate. She has had a boding dream, moreover, in
which Rinaldo has vanquished her, and all the consolations of her
maidens cannot restore her peace of mind. Hidraot, her uncle, entreats
her to choose a husband, but she declares that she will bestow her hand
upon no one but the conqueror of Rinaldo. While the chorus is
celebrating her charms, Arontes, a Paynim warrior, enters bleeding and
wounded, and tells how the prowess of a single knight has robbed him of
his captives. Armida at once recognises the hand of the recalcitrant
Rinaldo, and the act ends with her vows of vengeance against the
invincible hero.
The second act shows Rinaldo in quest of adventures which may win him
the favour of Godfrey of Bouillon, whose wrath he has incurred. Armida's
enchantments lead him to her magic gardens, where, amidst scenes of
voluptuous beauty, he yields to the fascinations of the place, lays down
his arms, and sinks into sleep. Armida rushes in, dagger in hand, but
the sight of the sleeping hero is too potent for her, and overcome by
passion, she bids the spirits of the air transport them to the bounds of
the universe.
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