The libretto for Mayr's I Cherusci was an adaptation of a text Gaetano Rossi had previously written for Stefano Pavesi's opera of the same name.
Historical Context
I Cherusci is a Zeitoper, or 'opera of its time', reflecting the cultural background and political circumstances of Napoleon's occupation of Europe in 1808.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mayr's I Cherusci focuses on a father-daughter relationship, a character constellation that would later be adopted by Giuseppe Verdi.
Performer Biography
Nicola Tacchinardi, who sang King Treuta in the premiere, was a cellist before becoming an international star tenor and later a singing teacher whose daughter created the title role in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor.
Composition History
Mayr's opera I Cherusci was performed in Rome during Carnival 1808, at the Teatro di Torre Argentina.
Recording & Production
This is a world premiere recording of I Cherusci, and it uses period instruments to recreate the sound as it would have been heard in 1808.
Compositional Technique
The role of the Cheruscan leader and bard Tamaro was performed as a breeches part (donna musico) by the soprano Felice Vergè at the premiere, rather than by a castrato.
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