Calliroe

Calliroe is an opera by Antonio Sacchini, set to a libretto by Mattia Verazi. It was first performed in Ludwigsburg on 11 February 1770.

The opera follows the usual pattern of opera seria of the time: secco recitative interlaced with da capo arias. Within this format Sacchini introduced strong dramatic music to suit the libretto: stromentato recitative is also used for extra dramatic effect, and the arias are sometimes interrupted by bursts of recitative. Stylistically, the work is thought to anticipate Italian opera of the following decade, and in particular Mozart's Il re pastore.

Roles

Role Voice type Premiere Cast, 11 February 1770
(Conductor:)
Bicestre soprano Anna Cesari Seeman
Tarsile soprano castrato Andrea Grassi
Sidonio soprano castrato Francesco Guerrieri
Calliroe mezzo-soprano Caterina Bonafini
Dorisia mezzo-soprano Monaca (or Monica) Bonanni
Agricane alto castrato Giovanni Maria Rubinelli
Arsace tenor Gaetano Petti

References