Aci, Galatea e Polifemo (HWV 72) is a dramatic cantata—also called a serenata—by George Frederic Handel. It was first performed at Naples on 19 July 1708; the completed score is dated to 16 June 1708. The serenata was commissioned most probably by Donna Aurora Sanseverino, Duchess of Laurenzano. It is likely that the work was composed for the wedding festivities of the Duke of Alvito, Tolomeo Saverio Gallo, and Beatrice Tocco di Montemiletto, Pri...
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Aci, Galatea e Polifemo (HWV 72) is a dramatic cantata—also called a serenata—by George Frederic Handel. It was first performed at Naples on 19 July 1708; the completed score is dated to 16 June 1708. The serenata was commissioned most probably by Donna Aurora Sanseverino, Duchess of Laurenzano. It is likely that the work was composed for the wedding festivities of the Duke of Alvito, Tolomeo Saverio Gallo, and Beatrice Tocco di Montemiletto, Princess of Acaja and niece of Aurora Sanseverino.
The Italian libretto was written by Nicola Giuvo, private secretary and literature adviser of Duchess Sanseverino. The plot is virtually the same as in Handel's later English-language pastoral opera Acis and Galatea, but Handel drew little on the music of the cantata when he returned to the story in 1718.
The role of Polifemo (Polyphemus), a cyclops whose actions have lethal consequences for Aci (Acis), is particularly notable for the vast range and singular vocal agility required. The part...
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