Teseo is an opera seria with music by George Frideric Handel, the only Handel opera that is in five acts. The Italian-language libretto was by Nicola Francesco Haym, after Philippe Quinault's Thésée. It was Handel's third London opera, intended to follow the success of Rinaldo after the unpopular Il pastor fido.
Title page of the libretto, 1713
Händel c. 1710
The Queen's Theatre, London, where Teseo had its first performance.
Caricature of Valentino Urbani, who created the role of Egeo.
Theseus was a divine hero and the founder of Athens from Greek mythology. The myths surrounding Theseus, his journeys, exploits, and friends, have provided material for storytelling throughout the ages.
Theseus after having slain the Minotaur, freeing captive Athenian boys; Cretans approaching to marvel the scene, Antique fresco from Pompeii
Theseus and Aethra, by Laurent de La Hyre
Theseus uncovers Aegeus' sword and sandals, relief sculpture on a decree of 140/39 BC
Theseus and the Crommyonian Sow, with Phaea (detail of a kylix)