This study of Scarlatti's first and most-performed opera investigates the reasons for its popularity, initially political, but subsequently musical. Among the details inspected are the social and political situation in Rome; an analysis of the music and libretto; the earliest Roman performances using hitherto unpublished contemporary documents and comparisons with other works performed-during the Carnival of 1679; Queen Christina's early patronage of Scarlatti and his first opera; subsequent performances through 1699, the last-known production; and conclusions about the importance of this opera.
- ISBN10 0918728215
- ISBN13 9780918728210
- Publish Date 9 June 1985
- Publish Status Inactive
- Out of Print 11 July 2021
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Pendragon Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 198
- Language English