Vivaldi- Ottone in villa, RV 719: L'ombre l'aure, e ancora il rioAria: L'ombre l'aure, e ancora il rio
Ottone in villa (Ottone in the city) was the first opera by Antonio Vivaldi. Its catalogue number is RV 729. Ottone, classified as an Italian opera, was written in 1713. It was commissioned by the governor of Vicenza, Antonio Francesco Farsetti. The libretto was written by Domenico Lalli, pseudonym of Sebastiano Biancardi. The opera was premiered at the theater of the Garzerie, in Vicenza, on 17 May 1713.
Sypnosis:The Holy Roman Emperor Ottone is in love with Cleonilla, who can't resist flirting with two courtesans, Ostilio and Caio. Ostilio is in reality a woman, Tullia, who disguised herself because she's in love with Caio. She plans to kill Cleonilla out of jealousy, but she first tries to dissuade her from her relation with Caio. Caio sees the meeting and misinterpret it as a romantic encounter. He warns Ottone, who commands him to kill Ostilio. Before he can execute the order, Ostilio reveals himself to be Tullia. Cleonilla claims to have always known it, to conciliate Ottone. He believes her and the opera closes with the marriage of Tullia and Caio.
Premiere Cast, May 17, 1713
Roles-
Cleonilla (soprano): Maria Giusti "La Romana"
Ottone (contralto) : Diana Vico
Caio Silio (soprano) : Bartolomeo Bartoli
Decio (tenor) : Gaetano Mozzi
Tullia (soprano) : Margherita Fazzoli
***All the singers listed directly above were the ones in the premiere cast.
Claron McFadden, soprano
Teatro Lirico
Stephen Stubbs, conductor
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