- Aci, Galatea e Polifemo
Aci, Galatea e Polifemo (HWV 72) is a dramatic
cantata - also called aserenata - byGeorge 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 nephew of Aurora Sanseverino. The plot is virtually the same as in Handel's later English-language pastoral operaAcis and Galatea . The role of Polifemo, a cyclops whose actions have lethal consequences for Aci, is particularly notable for the vast range and singular vocal agility required. The part ranges from the D below the bass stave to the A above it - and that in one aria, "Fra l'ombre e gl'orrori". The libretto was written byNicola Giuvo , private secretary and literature adviser of Duchess Sanseverino.E-book
[http://mdz1.bib-bvb.de/~db/0001/bsb00016890/images/ Score] of "Aci, Galatea e Polifemo" (ed.
Friedrich Chrysander , Leipzig 1892)References
*Hogwood, Christopher. "Handel" (1988), Thames and Hudson, ISBN 0-500-27498-3.
External links
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