Alessandro Severo

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.

Performance history

Alessandro Severo was not a success at its premiere under the direction of the composer on 25 February 1738 at the King's Theatre, London.[2]

Roles

Role Voice type Premiere Cast, 25 February 1738
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 mezzo-soprano castrato Caffarelli
Marziano bass Antonio Montagnana

Synopsis

The opera is based upon the story of the Roman Emperor Alexander Severus.

References

Notes
  1. ↑ Hicks, Anthony, "Handel With Care" (November 1993). The Musical Times, 134 (1809): pp. 639-642.
  2. ↑ Hume, Robert D., "Handel and Opera Management in London in the 1730s" (October 1986). Music & Letters, 67 (4): pp. 347-362.
Sources