jun 1, 1711 - "Rinaldo"

Description:

Librettist: Giacomo Rossi
Composer: George Frederic Handel

- First Italian opera written specifically for the English stage
- Based on Tasso’s 'Gerusalemme liberate', an epic about the First Crusade during which a Christian army sought to take over Jerusalem from the Saracens.
Great success:
- Plot had a love story, intrigue, magic, and witches (appealing to English audiences)
- Elaborate stage with fantastic special effects
- Strong cast comprised of accomplished Italian opera singers
- Italian music was in vogue – and Handel was an exceptional composer

1. Typical scene construction for an 18th-century opera:
- A series of recitatives and arias, with the occasional duet, trio, or ensemble number
2. Typical recitative style:
- Recitative secco (accompanied by harpsichord only)
3. Most popular type of aria: Da capo aria

Added to timeline:

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