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"Giulio Cesare in Egitto" (HWV 17) is an Italian opera in three acts written for the Royal Academy of Music by George Frideric Handel in 1724.
The libretto was written by Nicola Francesco Haym who used an earlier libretto by Giacomo Francesco Bussani, which had been set to music by Antonio Sartorio (1676).
It was first performed in London on 20 February 1724.
The opera was an immediate success.
Handel revived it, with changes, in 1725, 1730, and 1732.
It was also performed in Paris, Hamburg, and Brunswick.
Like Handel's other works in the opera seria genre, Giulio Cesare fell into obscurity in the 19th century.
The roles of Cesare and Cleopatra, sung by the castrato Senesino and famous soprano Francesca Cuzzoni respectively, and which encompass eight arias and two recitatives accompagnati each, make full use of the vocal capabilities of the singers.
Cornelia and Sesto are more static characters because they are completely taken by their primary emotions, she with pain because of her husband's death and constantly constrained to defend herself from the advances of Achilla and Tolomeo, and he consumed by vengeance for his father's death.
Cleopatra, on the other hand, is a multifaceted character.
Cleopatra uses at first her womanly wiles to seduce Cesare and gain the throne of Egypt, and then becomes totally engaged in the love affair with Cesare.
She has great arias of immense dramatic intensity
Se pietà di me non senti (II, 8) and
Piangerò la sorte mia (III, 3).
Her sensual character is described magnificently in the aria
V'adoro, pupille,
in which Cleopatra, in the guise of Lidia, appears to Cesare surrounded by the Muses of Parnassus (II, 2).
This number calls for two orchestras.
One is an ensemble scene with strings with sordino, oboe, tiorba, harp, bassoons and viola da gamba concertante.
Curio and Nireno do not get any arias in the original version, only singing recitatives, though they take part in the first and final choruses.
However, Handel composed an aria for Nireno for a later revival in 1730.
In the 20th century, the opera was revived (in heavily altered form - reorchestrated and revamped with the male castrato roles transposed down for a tenor) in Göttingen in 1922 by the Handel enthusiast Oskar Hagen.
Hans Knappertsbusch and Karl Böhm both conducted it in Munich in 1923, and its first American performance took place at the Smith College of Music in Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1927.
The first British revival of a Handel opera was the staging of Giulio Cesare at the Scala Theatre in London in 1930, by the London Festival Opera Company, singing in English.
The young Herbert von Karajan conducted a production in Ulm in 1933.
It has subsequently proven to be by far the most popular of Handel's operas, with more than two hundred productions in many countries.
In modern productions, the title role, written for a castrato, is sung by a contralto, mezzo-soprano, or, more frequently in recent years, a countertenor.
The roles of Tolomeo and Nireno are normally sung by countertenors.
The role of Sesto, written for a soprano, is now usually sung by a mezzo-soprano.
The work is considered by many to be Handel's finest Italian opera, possibly even the best in the history of opera seria.
It is admired for its superb vocal writing, its dramatic impact, and its deft orchestral arrangements.
Giulio Cesare is now regularly performed.
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 20 February 1724 (Conductor: - ) |
|---|---|---|
| Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar) | alto castrato | Senesino |
| Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt | soprano | Francesca Cuzzoni |
| Tolomeo, her brother and husband, King of Egypt | alto castrato | Gaetano Berenstadt |
| Cornelia, widow of Pompey | contralto | Anastasia Robinson |
| Sesto, her stepson | soprano (en travesti) | Margherita Durastanti |
| Achilla, Tolomeo's General | bass | Giuseppe Maria Boschi |
| Curio, a praetor, Caesar's General | bass | John Lagarde |
| Nireno, Cleopatra's and Tolomeo's servant | alto castrato | Giuseppe Bigonzi |
- Place: Egypt
- Time: 48 B.C
The aria listing in this synopsis applies to the original 1724 version.
As typical of most Handel operas, but unlike most other Italian operas by other composers, Giulio Cesare opens with a French-type overture.
In Act I, Giulio Cesare and his victorious troops arrive on the banks of the River Nile after defeating Pompey's forces.
(Chorus: Viva il nostre Alcide).
(Aria: Presti omai l'Egizia terra).
Pompey's second wife, Cornelia, begs for mercy for her husband's life.
Cesare agrees, but on the condition that Pompey must see him in person.
Achilla, the leader of the Egyptian army, presents Cesare with a casket containing Pompey's head. It is a token of support from Tolomeo, the co-ruler of Egypt (together with Cleopatra, his sister). Cornelia faints. (Aria: Empio, dirò, tu sei, togliti). Cesare's assistant, Curio, offers to avenge Cornelia, hoping that she will fall for him and marry him. Cornelia rejects the offer in grief, saying that another death would not relieve her pain. (Aria: Priva, son d'ogni conforto, e pur speme). Sesto, son of Cornelia and Pompey, swears by singing "Svegliatevi nel core" to take revenge for his father's death. (Aria: Svegliatevi nel core, furie d'un alma offensa). Cleopatra decides to use her charm to seduce Cesare. (Aria: Non disperar; chi sà? se al regno) Achilla brings the news to Tolomeo that Cesare was furious over the murder of Pompey. (Aria: L'empio, sleale, indegno vorria) Cleopatra (in disguise) goes to meet Cesare in his camp hoping that he will support her as the queen of Egypt. Cesare is amazed by her beauty. (Aria: Non è si vago e bello il fior nel prato). Nireno notes that the seduction was successful. (Aria: Tutto può donna vezzosa, s'amorosa). Meanwhile, Cornelia continues to mourn the loss of her husband. (Arioso: Nel tuo seno, amico sasso). Cornelia prepares to kill Tolomeo to avenge Pompey's death, but is stopped by Sesto, who promises to do it instead. Cesare, Cornelia and Sesto go to the Egyptian palace to meet Tolomeo. (Aria: Cara speme, questo core tu cominci a lusingar). Cleopatra now believes that having turned Cesare, Cornelia and Sesto against Tolomeo successfully, the scales are tipped in her favour. (Aria: Tu la mia stella sei, amabile speranza). Cesare meets Tolomeo, who offers him a room in the royal apartments, though Cesare tells Curio that he expects Tolomeo to betray him. (Aria: Va tacito e nascosto, quand' avido). Tolomeo is fascinated by Cornelia's beauty but has promised Achilla that he could have her. (Aria: Tu sei il cor di questo core). Sesto attempts to challenge Tolomeo, but is unsuccessful. When Cornelia rejects Achilla, he orders the soldiers to arrest Sesto. (Duet: Son nato a sospirar, e il doce/Son nata a lagrimar, e il doce).
[edit] Act 2
In Cleopatra's palace, while in disguise as "Lidia", she uses her charms to seduce Cesare. (Aria: V'adoro, pupille, saette d'Amore). She sings praises of Cupid's darts and Cesare is delighted. Cesare is smitten with Cleopatra, and Nireno tells Cesare that "Lidia" is waiting for him. (Aria: Se in fiorito ameno prato). In Tolomeo's palace, Cornelia laments her fate. (Arioso: Deh piangete, oh mesti lumi). Achilla pleads with Cornelia to accept him, but she rejects him. (Aria: Se a me non sei crudele, ogn'or) When he leaves, Tolomeo also tries to win her, but is also rejected. (Aria: Sì spietata, il tuo rigore sveglia). Thinking that there is no hope, Cornelia tries to take her own life, but is stopped by Sesto, who is escorted by Nireno. Nireno reveals the bad news that Tolomeo has ordered for Cornelia to be sent to his harem. However, Nireno also comes up with a plan to sneak Sesto into the harem together with Cornelia, so Sesto can kill Tolomeo when he is alone and unarmed. (Aria: Cessa omai di sospirare! non è sempre). Sesto enters the garden of the palace, wishing to fight Tolomeo for killing his father. (Aria: L'angue offeso mai riposa). Meanwhile, Cleopatra waits for Cesare to arrive in her palace. (Aria: Venere bella, per un instante deh). Still smitten with her, Cesare arrives in Cleopatra's palace. However, Curio suddenly bursts in and warns Cesare that he has been betrayed, and enemies are approaching Cesare's chambers and chanting "Death to Cesare". Cleopatra reveals her identity and after hearing the enemies heading for them, asks Cesare to flee, but he decides to fight. (Aria: Al lampo dell'armi quest'alma guerriera). (Chorus: Morà, Cesare morà). Cleopatra, having falling in love with Cesare, begs the gods to bless him. (Aria: Se pietà di me non senti, giusto ciel). In Tolomeo's palace, Tolomeo prepares to enter his harem. (Arioso: Belle dee di questo core). As Tolomeo tries to seduce Cornelia, Sesto rushes in to kill Tolomeo, but is stopped by Achilla. Achilla announces that Cesare (in the attempt to run from soldiers) has jumped from the palace window and died. Achilla asks again for Cornelia's hand in marriage but is turned down by Tolomeo. Furious, Achilla leaves. Sesto feels devastated and attempts to kill himself but is prevented from doing so by his mother; he repeats his vow to kill Tolomeo. (Aria: L'aure che spira tiranno e fiero).[edit] Act 3
Achilla is furious about Tolomeo's ungratefulness towards him despite many years of loyal service, and plans to defect to Cleopatra's side. (Aria: Dal fulgor di questa spada). However, he is stabbed by Tolomeo before he can carry out his plans. Sounds of battle ring out between Tolomeo's and Cleopatra's armies. Things do not go well for Cleopatra, and Tolomeo celebrates his apparent victory against Cleopatra. (Aria: Domerò la tua fierezza ch'il mio trono). Cleopatra laments her loss of the battle, as well as her loss of Cesare. (Aria: Piangerò la sorte mia, si crudele). However, as it turned out, Cesare has survived his leap and is roaming the desert looking for his troops. (Aria: Aure, deb, per pietà spirate). While searching for Tolomeo, Sesto finds the wounded Achilla. Before Achilla dies, he hands Sesto a seal of authority to enable Sesto to command his armies. Cesare appears and demands the seal. He promises that he will save both Cornelia and Cleopatra or die. (Aria: Quel torrente, che cade dal monte). Sesto is encouraged by the fact that Cesare is alive and Achilla is dead, and vows to fight on. (Aria: La giustizia ha già sull'arco). Meanwhile, Cleopatra was still lamenting her fate when Cesare appears before her. Cleopatra is overjoyed to see Cesare alive. (Aria: Da tempeste il legno infranto). Sesto finds Tolomeo in the palace forcing himself on Cornelia and kills him. Having successfully avenged Pompey, Cornelia and Sesto celebrate Tolomeo's death. (Aria: Non ha più che temere quest'alma). The victorious Cesare and Cleopatra enter the city of Alexandria, and Cesare proclaims Cleopatra as queen of Egypt and promises his support to her country. They declare their love for each other. (Duet: Caro!/Bella! più amabile beltà mai non). Cesare then proclaims the Egypt's liberation from tyranny, and wishes for the glory of Rome to be spread far and wide. The entire cast (includng the dead Achilla and Tolomeo) then gathers on stage for the opera's final chorus as they celebrate the power of love and the triumph of good over evil. (Chorus: Ritorni omai nel nostro core).[edit] Noted arias
- "Empio, dirò, tu sei" - Giulio Cesare in Act I, Scene 3
- "Priva son d'ogni conforto" - Cornelia in Act I, Scene 4
- "Svegliatevi nel core" - Sesto in Act I, Scene 4
- "Non disperar, chi sa?" - Cleopatra in Act I, Scene 5
- "L'empio, sleale, indegno" - Tolomeo in Act I, Scene 6
- "Non è si vago e bello" - Giulio Cesare in Act I, Scene 7
- "Cara speme, questo core" - Sesto in Act I, Scene 8
- "Tu la mia stella sei" - Cleopatra in Act I, Scene 9
- "Va tacito e nascosto" - Giulio Cesare in Act I, Scene 9
- "V'adoro pupille" - Cleopatra in Act II, Scene 2
- "L'angue offeso mai riposa" - Sesto in Act II, Scene 6
- "Al lampo dell'armi" - Giulio Cesare in Act II, Scene 8
- "Se pietà di me non senti" - Cleopatra in Act II, Scene 8
- "L'aure che spira" - Sesto in Act II, Scene 11
- "Piangerò la sorte mia" - Cleopatra in Act III, Scene 3
- "Dall'ondoso periglio...Aure, deh, per pietà" - Giulio Cesare in Act III, Scene 4
- "Quel Torrente"-Cesare in Act III, Scene 4
- "La giustizia ha già sull'arco" - Sesto in Act III, Scene 6
- "Da tempeste il legno infranto" - Cleopatra in Act III, Scene 7
- "Non ha più che temere" - Cornelia in Act III, Scene 9
[edit] Recordings
This list is incomplete.[1]- 1965: A recording of a live performance, sung in German, with Walter Barry as Cesare, Lucia Popp as Cleopatra, and Christa Ludwig as Cornelia. The parts of Cesare, Tolomeo, and Nireno were transposed and cast as basses and the tenor Fritz Wunderlich played the role of Sesto. The performance was conducted by Ferdinand Leitner. It is currently issued from Opera d'Oro.
- 1967: A studio performance conducted by Julius Rudel. The recording features Beverly Sills as Cleopatra, Norman Triegle as Cesare, Spiro Malas as Tolomeo, and Maureen Forrester as Cornelia. Castrato parts cast as basses, although the mezzo-soprano Beverly Wolff plays Sesto.
- 1969: A studio recording featuring Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau as Cesare, Tatiana Troyanos as Cleopatra, Julia Hamari as Cornelia, and Peter Schreier as Sesto, conducted by Karl Richter. Male parts are played by basses and tenors, as with most of the recordings prior to 1980.
- 1984: Sung in English, this is the first recording of the opera to feature female singers and countertenors in the respective male roles. Its cast includes Dame Janet Baker as Caesar, Valerie Masterson as Cleopatra, Della Jones as Sesto, Sarah Walker as Cornelia, countertenor James Bowman as Tolomeo, and John Tomlison as Achilla. The performance is conducted by Charles Mackerras
- 1990: The American director Peter Sellars directed Giulio Cesare as a studio production filmed at DEFA-Studio. The video recording is based on a production originally staged at the 1987 Pepsico SummerFare held at SUNY Purchase and later presented at the Opera Company of Boston (1987), Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels (1988), and Le Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers, Paris (1990). It was conducted by his regular musical collaborator Craig Smith. The production was updated to the unspecified future and set in the Middle East. It features the counter-tenor Jeffrey Gall as Cesare, Susan Larson as Cleopatra and Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson as Sesto. It has been issued on DVD by Decca.
- 1991: Conducted by René Jacobs on Harmonia Mundi, this features Jennifer Larmore as Cesare, Bernarda Fink as Cleopatra, and Derek Lee Ragin as Tolomeo.
- 2002: Conducted by Marc Minkowski, this production had Magdalena Kožená in the role of Cleopatra, and Anne Sophie von Otter as Sesto
- 2005 (March): Three recordings were made at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen. They became a DVD, published by Harmonia Mundi and released in the fall of 2007. The performance was directed by Francisco Negrin. Lars Ulrik Mortensen conducts Concerto Copenhagen and the vocal performers include German counter-tenor Andreas Scholl in the title role and Inger Dam-Jensen as Cleopatra.
- 2005: The Glyndebourne Festival has published its 2005 summer production (since revived in 2009), directed by David McVicar and conducted by William Christie, on an Opus Arte DVD, with Sarah Connolly in the role of Cesare and Danielle de Niese in the role of Cleopatra. The production won the 2006 "South Bank Show" Award for Opera. The period has been moved to British colonial times in the first half of the 20th century and the staging contains elements from Bollywood films.
- 2010: recording conducted by George Petrou on Dabringhaus und Grimm, featuring Kristina Hammarström as Cesare and Emanuela Galli as Cleopatra. Other singers include Mary-Ellen Nesi (Sesto), Irini Karaianni (Cornelia) and Romina Basso (Tolomeo).[2]
[edit] References
Notes- ^ For a more extensive list of recordings, see operadis-opera-discography.org.uk.
- ^ For the 2010 George Petrou recording, see OCLC 723942278.
- Dean, Winton; Knapp, J. Merrill (1987), Handel's Operas, 1704-1726, Clarendon Press, ISBN 0-19-315219-3
- Hicks, Anthony, Giulio Cesare in The New Grove Dictionary of Opera, ed. Stanley Sadie (London, 1992) ISBN 0-333-73432-7
[edit] External links
- Aria Database - Giulio Cesare arias and operatic roles database
- Metropolitan Opera Broadcast: Giulio Cesare
- Opera Today - Giulio Cesare Libretto
- Giulio Cesare in Egitto: Free scores at the International Music Score Library Project
- Giulio Cesare, Opera in Three Acts at the Internet Movie Database. Filmed at Glyndebourne Opera House in East Sussex, England. Opus Arte DVD, released 01/04/2006, contains behind the scenes extras.
- E-book
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