Op. 28 - Domitian and Aelius, Act II

Camilo Aybar's most ambitious project to date. A massive Ancient Roman opera seria exploring themes of power dynamics in relationships, human greed, contradiction, desperation, and distrust (basically his compositional canon in a nutshell) with text written by his good friend Librettist-Baritone Rayn Jandos. Unique in its integration of neo-Baroque and neo-Romantic idioms combined with the use of microtones imitating Ancient Roman tuning systems, the libretto channels Jandos’ obsession for the Roman Empire. It follows lesser-known Emperor Domitian on his path of mental degradation, where after succumbing to love with his servant, Aelius, Domitian’s manipulative niece, Julia Flavia, commits several murders and atrocities in order to secure her power, exploiting this newfound tender side of Domitian. 

Act II Summary:

Domitian publicly announces his upcoming marriage, igniting

controversy among the Roman people. Meanwhile, Prefect

Casperius Aelianus seeks to regain the Emperor’s trust,

apologizing to Aelius and vowing to investigate the murder of a

Praetorian Guardsman—an act secretly committed by Julia

Flavia. Determined to undermine Domitian, Julia deploys a spy

and bribes a Naval Admiral to sink a bireme transporting

livestock, triggering riots that the Praetorian Guard struggles to

control, further damaging Domitian’s reputation.

Julia attempts to seduce Aelius, but Domitian misinterprets the

situation and banishes them both. Later, he recalls Aelius and

the two reconcile. Seizing the unrest, Julia conspires with Consul

Evander and the Senate, exposing Domitian’s perceived

transgressions and rallying legions to force his confession. Aelius

begs Domitian to escape with him, but Domitian refuses,

believing he can protect him.

When confronted by the enraged citizens and assembled

legions, Prefect Aelianus reveals Julia’s role in the sinking of the

bireme and the murder of the guardsman. Julia and the Senate

lash out at Domitian, ridiculing his masculinity. In a moment of

weakness, Domitian renounces Aelius, devastating him. Aelius

pleads for mercy, but Domitian orders his execution despite

Aelianus’ objections.

As the crowd rejoices, Julia is imprisoned, the Senate is subdued,

and Domitian spirals into paranoia and despair. The opera ends

in darkness and isolation.