Composer

:

Carl Heinrich Graun

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1742

Average_duration

:

197:56

"Cesare e Cleopatra" is an opera seria composed by Carl Heinrich Graun in 1762. The libretto was written by the Italian poet and librettist, Pietro Metastasio. The opera tells the story of the love affair between Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt. The plot of the opera revolves around the political and romantic relationship between Caesar and Cleopatra. Caesar arrives in Egypt to settle a dispute between Cleopatra and her brother, Ptolemy. Cleopatra, who is infatuated with Caesar, uses her charm to win him over and secure her position as queen. Caesar, who is equally smitten with Cleopatra, agrees to help her regain her throne and defeat her enemies. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own set of arias, recitatives, and ensembles. The first act introduces the characters and sets the stage for the conflict between Cleopatra and Ptolemy. The second act focuses on the relationship between Caesar and Cleopatra, as they plan their strategy to defeat Ptolemy. The final act features the battle between the two sides and the eventual triumph of Caesar and Cleopatra. The music of "Cesare e Cleopatra" is characterized by its lyrical melodies, elaborate vocal ornamentation, and dramatic recitatives. Graun's use of orchestration is also notable, with the orchestra often playing an active role in the drama. The opera features a number of memorable arias, including Cleopatra's "Se pieta di me non senti" and Caesar's "Alma del gran Pompeo." The opera premiered on December 26, 1762, at the Royal Opera House in Berlin. It was a great success and was performed throughout Europe in the following years. "Cesare e Cleopatra" is considered one of Graun's most important works and is regarded as a masterpiece of the opera seria genre.

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