Time 19:00
The Royal Theatre in the Old Orangery in the Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw
BUY TICKET
Johann Adolf Hasse is one of the most prominent figures of the late Baroque. The German composer, whose operas were considered the pinnacle of perfection, was for many years employed by Polish kings – both Augustus II, and especially Augustus III. One of the works that launched young Hasse’s excellent career as a composer was the serenata Marc’Antonio e Cleopatra, written by the nearly 26-year-old musician commissioned by a prominent Neapolitan banker. The work to the libretto by Francesco Ricciardi was first heard in the summer of 1725, and the performers included the famous castrato Farinelli (as Cleopatra) and the alto Vittoria Tesi (as Mark Antony). Hasse’s lyrical and dramatic genius and the excellence of the performance brought the composer the success and fame he sp much desired.
Recitatives, arias and duets are filled with various shades of emotions and experiences of the characters. A small cast of performers is enough to express the deep expression inherent in the parts of both the singers and the accompanying ensemble. Although the story of the romance between the Egyptian queen and the Roman leader has a tragic ending, Hasse’s work ends with a joyful affirmation of love that conquers everything, even death.
CAST
CLEOPATRA (SOPRANO) DAGMARA BARNA
MARC’ANTONIO (COUNTERTENOR) RAFAŁ TOMKIEWICZ
THE PERIOD INSTRUMENTS ENSEMBLE OF THE POLISH ROYAL OPERA CAPELLA REGIA POLONA
WŁADYSŁAW KŁOSIEWICZ HARPSICHORD, CONDUCTOR
