The character Curiazio in Domenico Cimarosa’s opera Gli Orazi e i Curiazi (1796) is explicitly Orazia’s betrothed. [1, 2, 3]

In fact, the central emotional and tragic spine of Cimarosa's entire opera relies entirely on their doomed romance.

How They Are Presented in the Opera

• The Loving Couple: At the very beginning of the opera, Orazia and Curiazio are deeply in love and eagerly preparing for their impending wedding. [1, 2]
• The Duets: They share multiple romantic numbers together—most famously the Act 1 duet "Ti giura il labbro e il core" ("My lips and my heart swear to you")—where they express their devotion right before the war interrupts them. [1, 2]
• The Ultimate Tragedy: When Curiazio is chosen by Alba Longa to fight Orazia’s brother (Marco Orazio) in the triple duel to the death, Curiazio is forced to choose between his love for Orazia and his duty to his homeland. [1, 2, 3]

Ultimately, Marco kills Curiazio in battle, and when Orazia publicly curses Rome out of grief for her slain betrothed, Marco kills her too. [1, 2]

---

If you'd like, I can provide a breakdown of how Curiazio's death is revealed to Orazia in the opera, or explore the unique vocal style used for Curiazio's role in late 18th-century opera seria!