Sosarme
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Sosarme, re di Media is an opera by George Frideric Handel written in 1732 for the King's Theatre in the Haymarket, London, where it ran for 12 performances. The text was based on an earlier libretto
George Frideric Handel
Senesino, who created the role of Sosarme
The King's Theatre, London, where Sosarme had its first performance
Senesino
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Francesco Bernardi, known as Senesino, was an Italian contralto castrato, particularly remembered today for his long collaboration with the composer George Frideric Handel. He was also involved in a p
Sosarme
…Roles, voice types, and premiere cast Role Voice type Premiere Cast, 15 February 1732 Sosarme, King of Media alto castrato Francesco Bernardi,called "Senesino" Erenice, wife of Haliate contralto Anna Bagnolesi Argone, illegitimate son of Haliate alto castrato Antonio Gualandi ("Campioli") Melo, son and heir…
Senesino in 1735, by Van Haecken after Hudson
Portrait of the contralto castrato Francesco Bernardi, better known under his stage name Senesino; at the same time a parody of the castrati and their singing – and the wealth they earned with it. The lines beneath the portrait read, in Italian and English: "Renown'd Sienna gave him birth and name / Kind Heaven his Voice and Harmony his Fame / While here the Great and Fair their Tribute bring / The Deaf may wonder whence his Merits spring / But all think Fortune just, that hear him sing".