Composer

:

Johann Adolf Hasse

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1730

'Artaserse' is an opera seria composed by Johann Adolf Hasse in 1730. The libretto was written by Metastasio, a prominent Italian poet and librettist of the time. The opera premiered on February 4, 1730, at the Teatro Regio Ducal in Milan. The plot of 'Artaserse' revolves around the Persian king Artaserse, who is falsely accused of murdering his father, King Xerxes. The real culprit is Artaserse's brother, Arbace, who is in love with Artaserse's fiancée, Princess Mandane. Artaserse is sentenced to death, but with the help of his loyal friend Megabise, he is able to prove his innocence and expose Arbace's treachery. In the end, Arbace is punished, and Artaserse and Mandane are reunited. 'Artaserse' is divided into three acts, each with several musical numbers. The opera features arias, duets, and ensemble pieces, all of which showcase Hasse's skill as a composer. The music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, elaborate ornamentation, and virtuosic vocal writing. The vocal parts are demanding, requiring singers with exceptional technique and range. The premiere of 'Artaserse' was a great success, and the opera quickly became popular throughout Europe. It was performed in numerous cities, including Venice, Naples, Vienna, and Dresden. Hasse himself conducted many of these performances, and he was widely regarded as one of the leading composers of his time. Despite its initial popularity, 'Artaserse' fell out of favor in the 19th century, as tastes in opera shifted towards more dramatic and realistic works. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the opera, and it has been revived in several productions around the world. Its enduring appeal is a testament to Hasse's skill as a composer and to the enduring power of the opera seria genre.

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