Johann Mattheson, a leading 18th-century intellectual, was an accomplished opera singer, multi-instrumentalist, and patron of the arts, though he is chiefly remembered for his music theory texts.
Cultural Impact
Beyond historical accounts, Cleopatra has inspired around eighty operas, numerous cantatas, operettas, ballets, and countless interpretations in art and film.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in the Altes Stadtbad Annaberg-Buchholz, an old city bath, which served as an extraordinary recording venue.
Composer Biography
Johann Adolf Hasse, a 'megastar' of the late Baroque, was called the 'hero of our century' by Voltaire and was so famous that the young Mozart dreamt of emulating him.
Historical Context
Cleopatra VII, the subject of these works, was a highly educated reformer and pioneering female intellectual who spoke nine languages fluently.
Composer Biography
Giovanni Legrenzi, a significant teacher, influenced many leading 18th-century composers, including Antonio Lotti, Antonio Caldara, Francesco Gasparini, Tomaso Albinoni, and possibly the young Vivaldi.
Composition History
Hasse's serenata Marc'Antonio e Cleopatra, an early work, established his reputation in Italy and featured the famous castrato Farinelli as Cleopatra.
