Giulio Cesare in Egitto, Opera by G. F. Handel
George Frideric Handel was in London when he wrote Giulio Cesare, his opera seria about the latter part of the life of Julius Caesar. Often referred to as Giulio Cesare in Egitto, the opera focuses on Caesar's relationship with Cleopatra during his time in Egypt. Handel used a libretto written by Nicola Francesco Haym for his version of the story. Haym’s work was based on an earlier libretto by Giacomo Francesco Bussani, one that had already been set to music by Antonio Sartorio in 1676. Handel's orchestration was an instant hit after it premiered at the King's Theatre in London on 20 February 1724. This staging at Florence's wonderful Teatro del Maggio Musicale breathes new life into the baroque work with its epic storytelling of two of the most famous individuals from history.
Following the initial success of Giulio Cesare, Handel went on to revive the opera several times. He did so the following year, 1725, and then again in 1730 and 1732. Each time, the great composer made alterations to the score, sometimes even going so far as to remove or add arias. The result was a refined and cleverly crafted musical masterpiece, one of the most performed of all baroque-era operatic works.
In the plot, Cornelia pleads with Cesare for the life of her husband, Pompeo. Once a powerful ally of Cesare, Pompeo has fled to Egypt as a power struggle in Rome led to civil war. Ever the politician, Cesare is considering Cornelia's pleas when the young Egyptian ruler, Tolomeo, enters the fray, offering up the head of the decapitated Pompeo. Cornelia and her son, Sesto, vow revenge on Tolomeo. In an unlikely arrangement, they team up with Cleopatra, Tolomeo's sister. She has a motivation other than vengeance, however, and is seeking the Egyptian crown for herself.
Cleopatra knows that for her plan to work, she needs a powerful ally and, at the time, there is no more commanding a figure than Cesare. Ultimately, she seduces him and Cesare appears to be in love with her. Understanding the power play at hand, Tolomeo decides he needs to act and he plans for the assassination of the Roman leader. What subsequently unfolds is a tale of love, power and retribution. Will Cesare stick by Cleopatra and what will become of his responsibilities in Rome if he does? Handel's deftly scored opera brings forth all of the passions of the main characters, notably V'adoro, pupille, which Cleopatra sings in the opera's second act, an aria which is as musically seductive as the character's captivating intention.
This staging of Giulio Cesare at Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino shines a light on one of Handel's greatest works, full of majesty and musical subtlety throughout.