Editing Semiramide (section)

===Act 1===
[[File:Gioachino Rossini - Semiramide - Alessandro Sanquirico - Milan 1824 - act 1, scene 1 - Interno del tempio di Belo.png|thumb|''Interior of the Temple of Baal, Babylon'' (act 1, scene 1); set design by [[Alessandro Sanquirico]] for ''Semiramide'' staged at [[La Scala]] in [[Milan]], 1824]]
''Temple of Baal, Babylon''

The High Priest Oroe invites all to enter the temple, and Babylonians (along with others from abroad, including Idreno the Indian King) do so carrying offerings to [[Baal]]. Assur states that the day has come for the Queen to choose a successor and he reminds all of his own valour. Idreno expresses surprise at Assur's aspirations and all express their individual concerns and fears.

Semiramide enters to the acclaim of all, but Idreno and Assur individually speculate as to who will be chosen. They press the queen to announce her decision, but at the same time Semiramide herself is fearful about making that decision, especially as she appears to be expecting someone's arrival. Suddenly, the temple is plunged into darkness and there is general consternation amidst fears of its imminent collapse. All desert the temple.

Arsace, a young warrior from [[Scythia]], enters. He has been told by his dying father to go to the temple in Babylon, and he was also urgently sent for by Semiramide. He brings with him a casket belonging to his father, but he is puzzled as to why he has been called back to Babylon. He declares his love for Princess Azema who loves him though she has been promised to the dead King Nino's lost son, Ninia. Arsace states his unwillingness to support Assur in his bid for the throne: (Scena and aria: ''Eccomi alfine in Babilonia... Ah! quel giorno ognor rammento'' / "Here I am at last in Babylon... Oh, I shall ever remember the day of glory and happiness...").

Arsace asks to see the High Priest. Oroe enters, opens the casket, and exclaims upon seeing it that it contains the holy relics of the dead king. He hints to Arsace about some treachery that had been involved. Seeing Assur approach, Oroe leaves with the relics. Assur arrives and questions the reason for Arsace's return. The two men discuss Azema, with Arsace reaffirming his love for her (Duet: ''Bella imago degli dei'' / "Beautiful, divine image") while Assur states that he too loves her. "You have no idea what love is", the younger man tells the older: (Aria/duet: ''D'un tenero amor'' / "Of tender love...")

[[File:Gioachino Rossini - Semiramide - Alessandro Sanquirico - Milan 1824 - act 1, scene 8 - Atrio nella reggia.png|thumb|''Entrance hall of the palace'' (act 1, scene 8); set design for ''Semiramide'' staged at [[La Scala]] in [[Milan]], 1824]]
''The entrance hall of the palace''

Azema enters, happy that Arsace is now in Babylon. Idreno follows her and asks for her hand; she tells him that this must be Semiramide's decision. "What of your heart?" he asks, assuming that his rival can only be Assur. Scornfully told that it will never be Assur, Idreno is comforted, although he expresses his desire "to punish the wicked boldness of a rival"<ref>[[#Nightingale|Nightingale]] CD libretto, p. 43</ref> and continues to express desire for Azema: (Aria: ''Ah, dov'è, dov'è il cimento?'' / "Oh, where is it, where is the challenge?")

''The Hanging Gardens''

Having fallen in love with Arsace and believing that he loves her, Semiramide waits for his arrival: (Aria: ''Bel raggio lusinghier'' / "Beautiful, enchanting ray"). She receives a message from the Oracle, telling her that a wedding will make a new king. She believes this to be a sign from the gods that they approve of her plans, and orders preparations for a wedding. When Arsace arrives, he alludes to his love for Azema without specifically naming her, but he also declares that he will die for his queen if necessary. Semiramide still believes that he really loves her, and vows that she will give him all he desires: (Duet: ''Serbami ognor sì fido il cor'' / "Always keep your heart this faithful to me"). They leave separately.

[[File:Gioachino Rossini - Semiramide - Alessandro Sanquirico - Milan 1824 - act 1, scene 13 - Luogo magnifico nella reggia.png|thumb|Set design for act 1, scene 13 of ''Semiramide'' staged at La Scala in Milan, 1824]]
''The Palace Throne Room''

All enter to await Semiramide's arrival and her announcement of her choice of successor. Arsace, Idreno, Oroe, and Assur all swear to obey her command, no matter what she decides: (Ensemble: Semiramide, Arsace, Idreno, Oroe and Assur: ( ''Giuri ognuno, a' sommi Dei'' / "Let everyone swear to the highest gods"). She demands loyalty to the man she chooses, stating he will also be her own husband. When Semiramide names Arsace as her chosen one, Assur is outraged and Idreno accepts the decision but requests Azema's hand, which is granted. After asking Oroe to unite her and Arsace, Semiramide is horrified by the uproar which emits from the near-by tomb of King Nino: (Ensemble: ''Qual mesto gemito da quella tomba'' / "What a mournful groaning from the tomb there"). All are horrified as King Nino's ghost appears, warning of the crimes to be expiated, telling Arsace that he will reign and to respect the High Priest's wisdom, and commanding him to come down into his tomb. Each character expresses their own anguish.