Alessandro Severo (Alexander Severus, HWV A13) is an opera by George Frideric Handel composed in 1738. It is one of Handel's three pasticcio works[1], made up of the music and arias of his previous operas Giustino, Berenice and Arminio. Only the overture and recitatives (as well as the words) were new.
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Alessandro Severo was not a success at its premiere under the direction of the composer on 25 February 1738 at the Haymarket Theatre, London.[2]
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 25 February 1738 (Conductor: George Frideric Handel) |
|---|---|---|
| Sallustia | soprano | Elisabeth Duparc, "La Francesina" |
| Claudio | soprano | Margherita Chimenti, "La Droghierina" |
| Giulia | contralto | Antonia Merighi |
| Eurilla | mezzo-soprano | Maria Antonia Marchesini, "La Lucchesina" |
| Alessandro | castrato | Caffarelli |
| Marziano | bass | Antonio Montagnana |
The opera is based upon the story of the Roman Emperor Alexander Severus.