Artaxerxes (opera)

Artaxerxes is the title of several operas, the most notable being a 1762 opera by Thomas Arne. This English opera, with a libretto by Arne himself, is based on a translation of Pietro Metastasio's Artaserse. It is significant for being one of the earliest English operas to be sung entirely in Italian opera style (opera seria) despite being in the English language.

Metastasio's Artaserse, first performed in 1730 with music by Leonardo Vinci, became one of the most frequently set librettos in the 18th century. Its story revolves around the political intrigue and familial drama surrounding the Persian King Artaxerxes I. The plot involves mistaken identities, accusations of treason, and ultimately, the triumph of virtue and justice.

Other composers who have written operas titled Artaserse or Artaxerxes (or variations thereof) based on Metastasio's libretto include, but are not limited to:

• Leonardo Vinci (1730)
• Johann Adolf Hasse (1730)
• Riccardo Broschi (1734)
• Carl Heinrich Graun (1743)
• Christoph Willibald Gluck (1741)

These operas, while sharing a common source libretto, each feature unique musical settings and interpretations of the dramatic narrative. The Metastasio libretto remained a popular and influential source for opera composers throughout the 18th century, showcasing the power and flexibility of his dramatic writing.