Antonio Vivaldi's aria d'ombra "Gelido d'ogni vena" from his lost opera Siroe became so celebrated that he reused it in his successful opera Farnace.
Critical Reception
John Hawkins, in his 1776 General History of the Science and Practice of Music, wrote that Attilio Ariosti's prison scene for Senesino in Caio Marzio Coriolano was "wrought up to the highest degree of perfection that music is capable of, and is said to have drawn tears from the audience at every representation."
Recording & Production
This album was recorded by Little Tribeca from September 22 to 26, 2015, in Athens at the Megaron.
Composition History
Handel's opera Admeto, which premiered in London in 1727, was one of his biggest triumphs, partly due to its spectacular cast of singers.
Composer's Artistic Vision
For Aristotle, the purpose of theatrical performance was ethical, aiming to purify the spectator's soul through catharsis by evoking fear and pity.
Performer Biography
The castrato Senesino, known for his talent in pathetic expression, sang the role of Admeto in Handel's opera and received special praise for his performance of the opening scene.
Composition History
Apostolo Zeno, an important librettist, canonized the form of opera seria in the first half of the 18th century, alongside Pietro Metastasio.
