Artaserse

Composer: Hasse, Johann Adolf

Librettist/Text Author: Metastasio, Pietro

Conductor: Rovaris, Corrado

Orchestra: Ensemble Barocco of the Orchestra Internazionale d'Italia

Arbace: Fagioli, Franco

Artabano: Prina, Sonia

Artaserse: Giustiniani, Anicio Zorzi

Mandane: Schiavo, Maria Grazia

Megabise: Giovannini, Antonio

Semira: Bove, Rosa

Set Designer: Camera, Alessandro

Costume Designer: Viotti, Andrea

Lighting Designer: Macchitella, Antonio

Stage Director: Lavia, Gabriele

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Venue: Palazzo Ducale, Martina Franca

Playing Time: 03:08:46

Catalogue Number: 37715

UPC: 8007144377151

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A classic work of its genre and historical period, Artaserse was premiered in Venice in 1730 by the most famous singers of the day: Farinelli in the role of the Arbace, Cuzzoni as Mandana and the castrato Nicolino as Artabano. It was a success for Hasse, who would, in 1740 and 1760, re-propose the same work in two different versions.

This video features one, in world premiere. The cast is extraordinary, with the countertenor Franco Fagioli giving a great performance of the role that was Farinelli's. Fagioli easily goes up and down the extension of more that three octaves, maintaning a uniform timbre and remarkable power and resonance. Also stunning, is the aria Pallido sole sung by Sonia Prina.