is an opera by Antonio Sacchini, set to a libretto by Mattia Verazi. It was first performed in Schloss Ludwigsburg on 11 February 1770 and the ballets were set by French choreographer Louis Dauvigny.
The opera follows the usual pattern of opera seria of the time: secco recitative interlaced with da capo arias. Within this format Sacchini introduced strong dramatic music to suit the libretto: stromentato recitative is also used for extra dramatic effect, and the arias are sometimes interrupted by bursts of recitative. Stylistically, the work is thought to anticipate Italian opera of the following decade, and in particular Mozart's Il re pastore.
Roles
RoleVoice typePremiere Cast, 11 February 1770(Conductor:) Bicestre soprano Anna Cesari Seeman Tarsile soprano castrato Andrea Grassi Sidonio soprano castrato Francesco Guerrieri Calliroe mezzo-soprano Caterina Bonafini Dorisia mezzo-soprano Monaca (or Monica) Bonanni Agricane alto castrato Giovanni Maria Rubinelli Arsace tenor Gaetano Petti
References Italianopera, 12 February 2011
Marita P. McClymonds: "Calliroe", Grove Music Online ed L. Macy (Retrieved 3 June 2007), grovemusic.com , subscription access.