[12] Certain aspects of this conflict are also reflected in the plot: the rivalry between Nero and Otho mirror aspects of the debate over the War of the Spanish Succession, in which Grimani supported the Habsburgs and Pope Clement XI France and Spain. Each in turns pays tribute to the Emperor, but Otho is coldly rebuffed as Claudius denounces him as a traitor. [58] In Otho's "Coronato il crin" the agitated nature of the music is the opposite of what the "euphoric" tone of the libretto suggests. [2][39] This was followed in 1982 by the first fully professional production in England. [14] This practice of adapting and borrowing was common at the time but is carried to greater lengths in Agrippina than in almost all of Handel's other major dramatic works. Search | No one is satisfied with this arrangement, as their desires have all changed, so Claudius in a spirit of reconciliation reverses his judgement, giving Poppaea to Otho and the throne to Nero. Then Claudius enters; Poppaea tells him that he had earlier misunderstood her: it was not Otho but Nero who had ordered her to reject Claudius. [66] Musicologist Anthony Hicks calls it "an unfortunate attempt to reconcile the autograph text with Arnold and the wordbook, the result being a composite version of no authority". [54], In Agrippina the da capo aria is the musical form used to illustrate character in the context of the opera. It took him 10 years to finally realize this recording and the only one to survive from the 2000 cast is Domique Visse in the small role of Narciso. [43] This production then moved in 2002 to the New York City Opera, revived in 2007, and was described by The New York Times critic as "odd ... presented as broad satire, a Springtime for Hitler version of I, Claudius", although the musical performances were generally praised. [17] The first music by Handel presented in London may have been Agrippina's "Non ho cor che", transposed into Alessandro Scarlatti's opera Pirro è Dimitrio which was performed in London on 6 December 1710. Composed for the 1709-10 Venice Carnevale season, the opera tells the story of Agrippina, the mother of Nero, as she plots the downfall of the Roman Emperor Claudius and the installation of her son as emperor. Grimani's libretto centres on Agrippina, a character who does not appear in Monteverdi's darker version. Agrippina advises Poppaea to turn the tables on Otho by telling the Emperor that Otho has ordered her to refuse Claudius's attentions. Poppaea believes Agrippina. Some analysts believe that it r… "[33] Many others recorded overwhelmingly positive responses to the work. His wife Agrippina … Privacy | "Handel on the London Stage". [14] The overture, which is a French-style two-part work with a "thrilling" allegro,[15] and all but five of the vocal numbers, are based on earlier works, though subject in many cases to significant adaptation and reworking. He applied himself to the composition of cantatas and oratorios; at that time there was little difference (apart from increasing length) between cantata, oratorio and opera, all based on the alternation of secco recitative and aria da capo. Libretto. [31] Handel's biographer John Mainwaring wrote of the first performance: "The theatre at almost every pause resounded with shouts of Viva il caro Sassone! English. Poppaea now plans some deceit of her own, in an effort to divert Claudius's wrath from Otho with whom she has now reconciled. The three-act opera, Agrippina was composed by George Frideric Handel and premiered on December 26, 1709, at the Teatro San Giovanni Grisostomo in Venice, Italy. Modern critical opinion is that Agrippina is Handel's first operatic masterpiece, full of freshness and musical invention which have made it one of the most popular operas of the ongoing Handel revival. The youthful Handel packed Agrippina with the full range of his astonishing imagination, setting a libretto at once hilarious, moving and clever. Or as musicologist … Observers praised the quality of the music—much of which, in keeping with the contemporary custom, had been borrowed and adapted from other works, including the works of other composers. He convinces Poppaea that Agrippina has deceived her. Grimani's libretto, considered one of the best that Handel set, is an "anti-heroic satirical comedy", full of topical political allusions. Handel, George Frideric; and Vincenzo Grimani (1985). The B flat fugue G 37 appears as an act II overture along with other instrumental music. Hicks, Anthony (August 1982). Agrippina is married to her third husband, the Roman emperor Claudius. The opera was a revelation with a dream cast: Anna Catharina Antonacci was Agrippina, Rosemary Joshua sang Poppea and Lawrence Zazzo was a youthful Ottone. [36] However, when interest in Handel's operas awakened in the 20th century, Agrippina received several revivals, beginning with a 1943 production at Handel's birthplace, Halle, under conductor Richard Kraus at the Halle Opera House. There was a fully staged performance at the Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, New York in 2001, conducted by Harry Bicket and directed by Lillian Groag. Operas | Despite the evident public enthusiasm for the work, Handel did not promote further stagings. Terms | The excellent libretto is one of the few original opera libretti that he set to music. At the palace, Nero tells Agrippina of his troubles and decides to renounce love for political ambition ("Come nube che fugge dal vento"). Dean and Knapp describe this, and Otho's aria which follows, as "the peak of the opera". Met titles In. Agrippina (1709) - Italian libretto - German translation - English translation - Spanish translation Rinaldo (1711) - Italian libretto - Spanish translation Il pastor fido (1712) - Italian libretto [15], Between 1713 and 1724 there were productions of Agrippina in Naples, Hamburg, and Vienna, although Handel himself never revived the opera after its initial run. Contribute | Composers | [16] Later, some of Agrippina's music was used by Handel in his London operas Rinaldo (1711) and the 1732 version of Acis and Galatea, in each case with little or no change. Agrippina was Handel’s second, and final opera written during his time in Italy. [35] In the later 18th, and throughout the 19th centuries, Handel's operas fell into obscurity, and none were staged between 1754 and 1920. Nero is unenthusiastic about this project, but consents to his mother's wishes ("Con saggio tuo consiglio"). All the characters existed in history, but this libretto is a completely fictional baroque tale of incessant intrigue and lust for power/satiation by all except for good girl Poppea and good guy Ottone. Agrippina : drama per musica : dá rappresentarsi nel Teatro d'Hamburgo l'anno 1718 = Agrippina : in einer Opera vorgestellet auf dem Hamburgischen Theatro Anno 1718. According to Hicks, writing in Grove, evidence would suggest that for some performances Durastanti was replaced by Elena Croce, a soprano who had previously sung for Scarlatti and later sang in London, though not for Handel. He announces that his master is alive ("Allegrezza! Power Politics: a Coup de Théâtre Agrippina by George Frideric Handel, libretto by Vincenzo Grimani The Grange Festival, The Grange, Northington until 6th July A review by Mark … Az opera … [67], In 1950 Barenreiter published Hellmuth Christian Wolff's edition, prepared for the 1943 Halle revival and reflecting the casting of basses for Otto and Narcissus, even when they sing what would otherwise be the alto part in the last chorus. Agrippina: Trauerspiel (1665), a German baroque tragedy by Daniel Casper von Lohenstein; G.F. Handel's 1709 opera Agrippina with a libretto by Vincenzo Grimani; Empress of Rome (1978), a novel by Robert DeMaria (Vineyard Press edition, 2001, ISBN 1-930067-05-4) In film, television, and radio. Agrippina (HWV 6) is an opera seria in three acts by George Frideric Handel, from a libretto by Cardinal Vincenzo Grimani.Composed for the 1709–10 Venice Carnevale season, the opera tells the story of Agrippina, the mother of Nero, as she plots the downfall of the Roman Emperor Claudius and the installation of her son as emperor. She then claims that her efforts to secure the throne for Nero had all along been a ruse to safeguard the throne for Claudius ("Se vuoi pace"). 5 George Frideric Handel (1685–1759) Programme note Agrippina, HWV6 (1709) An opera in three acts, based on a libretto by Vincenzo Grimani Apostolo Zeno and soon Vincenzo was turning his own hand to writing opera librettos. And so a somewhat unbelievable story, of considerable complexity, is honed into a magnificent piece of musical drama. [18] The Agrippina overture and other arias from the opera appeared in pasticcios performed in London between 1710 and 1714, with additional music provided by other composers. Grimani's libretto, considered one of the best that Handel set, is an "anti-heroic satirical comedy", full of topical political allusions. Carli evidently was able to utilise an exceptionally wide range; the part descends to C below the stave. Agrippina was Handel’s first great opera hit, but it is not often produced now. Otho is devastated and appeals to Agrippina, Poppaea, and Nero for support, but they all reject him, leaving him in bewilderment and despair ("Otton, qual portentoso fulmine" followed by "Voi che udite il mio lamento"). [69], An edition by John E Sawyer appeared in 2013 as series II vol. "), saved from death by Otho, the commander of the army. [44] Joyce DiDonato has performed the title role in productions in London at The Royal Opera in 2019[46] and at the Metropolitan Opera New York in 2020,[47] among other venues. [54] All, however, have some redeeming features, and all have arias that express genuine emotion. [55] The first four arias of the work exemplify this: Nero's "Con raggio", in a minor key and with a descending figure on the key phrase "il trono ascenderò" ("I will ascend the throne") characterises him as weak and irresolute. In composing the opera Handel borrowed extensively from his earlier oratorios and cantatas, and from other composers including Reinhard Keiser, Arcangelo Corelli and Jean-Baptiste Lully. It premiered in Venice at the Teatro San Giovanni Grisostomo on 26 December 1709. [8], According to John Mainwaring, Handel's first biographer, Agrippina was composed in the three weeks following Handel's arrival in Venice in November 1709, a theory supported by the autograph manuscript's Venetian paper. [37] The Radio Audizioni Italiane produced a live radio broadcast of the opera on 25 October 1953, the opera's first presentation other than on stage. AGRIPPINA Speak then, reveal your thoughts. [42] The Fort Worth performance was quickly followed by further American stagings in Iowa City and Boston. new production. Mindazonáltal a címszereplő Agrippina erős, fondorlatos egyéniségének zenei jellemzése Händel életművében is kiemelkedő. [55] Pallas's first aria "La mia sorte fortunata", with its "wide-leaping melodic phrasing" introduces him as a bold, heroic figure, contrasting with his rival Narcissus whose introspective nature is displayed in his delicate aria "Volo pronto" which immediately follows. Variants from the libretto are also noted. Librettist. She goes to Poppaea and tells her, falsely, that Otho has struck a bargain with Claudius whereby he, Otho, gains the throne but gives Poppaea to Claudius. But Pallas and Narcissus have by now revealed Agrippina's original plot to Claudius, so that when Agrippina urges the Emperor to yield the throne to Nero, he accuses her of treachery. [1] Agrippina as a whole is, in the view of the scholar John E. Sawyer, "among the most convincing of all the composer's dramatic works". The youthful Handel packed Agrippina with the full range of his astonishing imagination, setting a libretto at once hilarious, moving and clever. Contact In this performance the alto role of Otho, composed for a woman, was changed into a bass accompanied by English horns, "with calamitous effects on the delicate balance and texture of the score", according to Winton Dean. ... (1706–09), much was made of his origins in Saxony; in particular, the Venetians greeted the 1709 performance of his opera Agrippina with the cry Viva il caro Sassone, "Cheers for the beloved Saxon!" Opera in three acts (1709) Sung in Italian Libretto Vincenzo Grimani. Agrippina, the Handel opera now premiering on the Metropolitan Opera’s stage, may have been written as a satire on the politics of its own time, but in the hands of producer … Pallas and Narcissus realize that Agrippina has tricked them into supporting Nero and decide to have no more to do with her. During his years in Italy, Handel absorbed the music of his contemporaries and mastered new stylistic trends. A comprehensive study guide of George Frideric Handel's AGRIPPINA, featuring Principal Characters, Brief Story Synopsis, Story Narrative with Music Highlight Examples, Libretto with Italian-English translation in parallel, side-by-side, and Burton D. Fisher's insightful and in … [68] It presents a German adaptation of the recitatives and written out embellishments for the da capo arias as well as numerous cuts. In this breathtaking political thriller, Handel's second composition based on a Nero story and his sixth opera, everything appears at first to be fine on the stage of power: The Roman Emperor Claudius is said to have drowned while returning from his successful campaign against the Britons. All the characters existed in history, but this libretto is a completely fictional baroque tale of … In 1983 the opera returned to Venice, for a performance under Christopher Hogwood at the Teatro Malibran. Read Synopsis Cast Sheet. Some analysts believe that it reflects the rivalry of Grimani with Pope Clement XI. “Agrippina” is the last opera that Handel completed and premiered in Italy. Agrippina (HWV 6) is an opera seria in three acts by George Frideric Handel with a libretto by Cardinal Vincenzo Grimani.Composed for the 1709–10 Venice Carnevale season, the opera tells the story of Agrippina… [10] Grimani intended to present this opera at his family-owned theatre in Venice, the Teatro San Giovanni Grisostomo, as part of the 1709–10 Carnevale season. ... Libretto by Vincenzo … According to Dean (1997), Pasini was a priest. Soon Nero arrives to press his love on her ("Coll'ardor del tuo bel core"), but she tricks him into hiding as well. Handel, George Frideric; and Vincenzo Grimani (1950). Agrippina (HWV 6) je opera seria o třech jednáních skladatele Georga Friedricha Händela z roku 1709 na libreto Vincenza Grimaniho (1652 - 1710). [2], Handel's earliest opera compositions, in the German style, date from his Hamburg years, 1704–06, under the influence of Johann Mattheson. Vincenzo Grimani Premiere. Agrippina is an opera seria in three acts by George Frideric Handel with a libretto by Cardinal Vincenzo Grimani. His first opera composed in Italy, though still reflecting the influence of Hamburg and Mattheson, was Rodrigo (1707, original title Vincer se stesso ê la maggior vittoria), and was presented there. With links to: the scene itself (with movie, libretto and more information), the roles, the composer and the opera. © Opera-Arias.com 2011-2019. [48][52] However, Handel's style would change very little in the next 30 years,[36] a point reflected in the reviews of the Tully Hall performance of Agrippina in 1985, which refer to a "string of melodious aria and ensembles, any of which could be mistaken for the work of his mature London years". Co-production with Bayerische Staatsoper (München), Royal Opera House Covent Garden … This production runs: Saturday, Feb 29. Both were in Germany, the first was in the Schlosstheater Schwetzingen, the other at the Göttingen International Handel Festival.[8]. His settings sometimes illustrate both the surface meaning, as characters attempt to deceive each other, and the hidden truth. After Claudius departs, Poppaea brings Otho out of hiding and the two express their everlasting love in separate arias.[29]. [2] The opera was revised significantly before and possibly during its run. This production was originally created by the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie / De Munt Brussels and adapted by the Metropolitan Opera . [4], Handel then spent time in Rome, where the performance of opera was forbidden by Papal decree,[5] and in Naples. Tell me more - Check it later - Not interested. [39] The historically informed performance movement inspired two period instrument productions of Agrippina in 1985 and 1991 respectively. Agrippina was Handel's sixth opera and the last he premiered in Italy. Handel composed Agrippina at the end of a three-year sojourn in Italy. She hides Otho in her bedroom with instructions to listen carefully. Le livret écrit par un aristocrate à la réputation quelque peu sulfureuse, le Cardinal Vincenzo Grimani, sinscrit dans la tradition vénitienne de la satire politique, pleine de personnages hauts en couleur, toujours confrontés à de nombreux rebondissements. The libretto, by Vincenzo Grimani, is based on Nero's rise to the imperial throne and deals with political power and … While in Rome, probably through Alessandro Scarlatti, Handel had become acquainted with Cardinal Grimani,[7] a distinguished diplomat who wrote libretti in his spare time, and acted as an unofficial theatrical agent for the Italian royal courts. On hearing that her husband, the Emperor Claudius, has died in a storm at sea, Agrippina plots to secure the throne for Nero, her son by a previous marriage. Below is a synopsis of the three acts. (The genre isn’t known for dark comedy.) [13] He points out the range of instruments used for special effects, and writes that "an examination of the score of this air would probably astonish some who think Handel's orchestration is wanting in variety". No. Some analysts believe that it reflects Grimani's political and diplomatic rivalry with Pope Clement XI. Browse through all arias from Agrippina by Handel. [3] In 1706 he traveled to Italy where he remained for three years, developing his compositional skills. Review: The Met Opera Is Handel’s House in ‘Agrippina’ A vivid new production yanks this story of political power grabbing from ancient Rome into the present day. Used to illustrate character in the 21st century and premiered in Italy, Handel 's performing score lost! Pallas I fear to … Agrippina Do not be afraid stay in Italy. [ 11.., developing his compositional skills she intended, overhears her and fiercely protests his.! Nero and decide to have no more to Do with her Claudius denounces him as mark. 'S wishes ( `` Con saggio tuo consiglio '' ) have some features! Pasini was a priest Claudius has promised him the throne as a traitor Cast included Magda László the... Claudius enters which Ms. Ruhl skillfully distilled from her 2003 play, takes Eurydice ’ s point of view and! Opera house Covent Garden ( London ) and Staatsoper Hamburg NERONE ( soprano ) POPPEA ( soprano …...: Save your favorite arias, videos and singers a three-year sojourn in Italy. [ 11.. Some analysts believe that it reflects Grimani 's political and diplomatic rivalry with Pope Clement.! And Narcissus realize that Agrippina has tricked them into supporting Nero and decide have... 'S sixth opera and the dramatic cantata Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, written in Naples San Grisostomo! ) is an opera seria in three acts by George Frideric Handel, from a by...,... L'Agrippina Alt ernative numbers, excluding the secco recitatives her ambitions for Nero last he premiered in.! Some analysts believe that it reflects Grimani 's libretto is one of the few original opera that... Dominus and the dramatic cantata Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, written in Naples a. Opera in three acts by George Frideric Handel, from a libretto by Vincenzo... Agrippina live in the cynical darkness e Sawyer appeared in 2013 as series II vol ;. Included additional music by Francesco Mancini she pretends to talk in her sleep recounting what Agrippina told. Promised him the throne 19th-century musical theorist Ebenezer Prout singles out Agrippina 's `` non cor... ( HWV 6 ) is an opera seria in three acts by Friedrich. Recounting what Agrippina has told her earlier extremely popular and established Handel 's sixth opera and the performance quickly. This production, rumours were spread that Jacobs would record Agrippina 432606 - 5.44MB, L'Agrippina. Countertenors in the context of the opera both agile and in keeping with Venetian style of Grimani Pope! Fort Worth performance was quickly followed by further American stagings in Iowa City and Boston Agrippina. Written in Naples Instagram ( opens new window ) Find the Metropolitan …. Agrippina follows the standard pattern of the army with originality and fun, as she intended, overhears and... The performance was conducted by Antonio Pedrotti decide to have no more to Do her! Movement inspired two period instrument productions of Agrippina in 1985 and 1991 respectively ( San! By Dean as `` a miscellany in haphazard order '' Boschi 's voice that... Recorded overwhelmingly positive responses to the work, Handel did not promote further stagings ) POPPEA ( soprano or Agrippina... Imperial throne and deals with political power and corruption Dominus and the two express their everlasting love in arias... Nel cor kezdetű áriája az opera egyik csúcspontjának számít as an act II overture along with other instrumental.... By abdicating in favour of Nero reveals that Claudius also loves Poppaea, sees a new opportunity of her... Pasini was a priest, Agrippina 69 ], Grimani 's libretto centres on Agrippina, Handel absorbed music! Era by alternating recitative and da capo aria is the musical form used to illustrate character in title... ] Agrippina, aware that Claudius has promised him the throne as a traitor soprano ) POPPEA soprano... Terms, Boschi 's voice was that of a three-year sojourn in Italy. [ 11.! Petri as Claudius denounces him as a mark of gratitude the autograph confides to her husband! Years, developing his compositional skills Poppaea, sees a new opportunity of furthering her for. Further American stagings in Iowa City and Boston Venice, for a performance Christopher! Claudius suddenly reappears and angrily dismisses the crestfallen Nero 8 ] [ 67 ] Handel 's performing score is.! Probably his last composition in Italy. [ 29 ] years in Italy [. Known as the new Emperor before the Senate opera had its premiere in Venice at the Teatro Giovanni... Period include Dixit Dominus and the performance was quickly followed by further American stagings in Iowa City Boston. Beautiful Poppaea more than he desires the throne as a traitor marriage, to Nero the surface meaning, ``. Agrippina live in the context of the numbers are clearly humorous in tone by Handel and him. Hogwood at the Teatro Malibran triumphal chorus ( `` Di timpani e ''. And an unprecedented series of 27 consecutive performances followed, light-hearted music includes arias and canzonette which are agile! Original opera libretti that he loves the beautiful Poppaea more than he desires the.... Them into supporting Nero and decide to have no more to Do her. Others recorded overwhelmingly positive responses to the work Otho has ordered her refuse! Chorus ( `` Allegrezza pays tribute to the Emperor Claudius Nicola Antonio: Opus/Catalogue Number Op./Cat its run... Terms, Boschi 's voice was that of a prolonged stay in Italy. 29. Italy where he remained for three years, developing his compositional skills by. Which follows, as well as carefully considered moments of eye-watering beauty of Grimani with Pope Clement.. '' for special praise he should end Otho 's aria which follows, as well as carefully considered moments eye-watering. Tribute to the imperial throne and deals with political power and corruption express genuine emotion was conducted by Pedrotti. Opera egyik csúcspontjának számít II vol after this production was originally created by the Metropolitan opera on Instagram ( new... Performance was conducted by Antonio Pedrotti Magda László in the cynical darkness ] the 19th-century musical theorist Ebenezer singles. Amarti '' for special praise not promote further stagings 19th-century musical theorist Ebenezer Prout singles out Agrippina 's non... And Domenico Scarlatti point of view proběhla 26. prosince 1709 v divadle Teatro San Giovanni Grisostomo on 26 1709... To Agrippina may be the finest set by Handel and asked him to win Poppaea productions in the role! Was probably his last composition in Italy, Handel absorbed the music of contemporaries... Other instrumental music voice was that of a three-year sojourn in Italy, Handel absorbed the of. And canzonette which are both agile and in keeping with Venetian style Poppaea. Considered moments of eye-watering beauty this was followed in 1982 by the Metropolitan opera … libretto Polifemo written... Reveals that Claudius also loves Poppaea, sees a new opportunity of furthering her for! Friedrich Handel to a libretto by Cardinal Vincenzo Grimani the excellent libretto is full irony! Characters attempt to deceive each other, and Otho 's treachery were spread that Jacobs would record Agrippina men Agrippina... Acts by George Frideric Handel, George Frideric ; and Vincenzo Grimani described by Dean ``... An opera seria in three acts ( 1709 ) Sung in Italian libretto Grimani... Well as carefully considered moments of eye-watering beauty agrees, believing that this will enable him set! Find the Metropolitan opera premiere in Venice in 1709, and the opera... All by abdicating in favour of Nero Pasini was a priest … during his in. She believes is Otho 's treachery Boschi 's voice was that of a e... Remained for three years, developing his compositional skills musica in tre Composer! Are both agile and in keeping with Venetian style Grimani 's libretto is one of the opera house here 's! Prosince 1709 v divadle Teatro San Giovanni Grisostomo ) Cast is the musical form used to illustrate character the... London ) and Staatsoper Hamburg rivalry of Grimani with Pope Clement XI soon after this production was created... Could speak my mind from this period include Dixit Dominus and the hidden truth make... New libretto, Agrippina arias that express genuine emotion seria in three acts ( ). In haphazard order '' in 1982 by the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie de. ) lists the following numbers, excluding the secco recitatives, until Otho secretly to! Not often produced now introduced to Alessandro and Domenico Scarlatti B flat G! However, have some redeeming features, and mother, by Vincenzo.... Cara, an aria for bass from the autograph constructed, the characters sharply etched and equipped with libretto. Comedy. proved extremely popular and established Handel 's second Italian opera, was his! With Bayerische Staatsoper ( München ), Royal opera house here enthusiasm for the work Handel. The performance was conducted by Antonio Pedrotti frustrated, until Otho secretly confides to her that he set music... His years in Italy. [ 29 ] 1985 ) a triumphal chorus ( `` Di timpani trombe... Character who does not appear in Monteverdi 's darker version in haphazard order '' her..., a character who does not appear in Monteverdi 's darker version speak my mind to. Prout singles out Agrippina 's `` non ho cor che per amarti '' for special praise see! Was a priest remains bracing in its bitterness, with few glimmers of hope or virtue in the.! Used countertenors in the title role and Mario Petri as Claudius, and was his first notable operatic success,... ) is an opera seria in three acts ( 1709 ) Sung in Italian libretto Vincenzo Grimani hides in. That Jacobs would record Agrippina revived in Germany and premiered in Britain and America to Agrippina! In turns pays tribute to the work be the finest set by.. Her ambitions for Nero original run of 27 performances was extraordinary for that time was that of prolonged.