| Francesco Cavalli |
|---|
|
Operas
|
Erismena is an opera in a prologue and three acts by Francesco Cavalli. It was designated as a dramma per musica. The Italian libretto was by Aurelio Aureli, the only work by this writer for Cavalli.
Erismena is the first full length opera known to have been translated into English and may have been first performed in England in 1674.
Contents |
It was first performed in Venice at the Teatro S Apollinare on 30 December 1655[1] with further performances between that date and 28 February 1656. Cavalli revised the work in 1670. Both versions have survived as well as one with an English translation, also dated to the 17th century.
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, December 30, 1655 (Conductor: - ) |
|---|---|---|
| Erimante, King of Media | bass | |
| Erismena, daughter of Erimante | soprano | |
| Aldimira, favourite of Erimante | soprano | |
| Alcesta, Aldimira's former nurse | contralto | |
| Idraspe (Erineo), Prince of Iberia | contralto | |
| Orimeno, Prince of Colchus | soprano | |
| Agrippo, servant of Orimeno | bass | |
| Diarte, a prison guard | bass | |
| Clerio | soprano | |
| Flerida | soprano | |
| Oriste | bass |
Pier Francesco Cavalli: L'Erismena - Oakland Symphony Orchestra - 'Sung in English