Radamisto (Handel)

Radamisto is an opera in three acts composed by George Frideric Handel. The opera exists in two primary versions, both with an Italian libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym, based on Domenico Lalli's L'amor tirannico, or Zenobia.

The first version of Radamisto was premiered at the King's Theatre in London on April 27, 1720. It was Handel's first opera for the Royal Academy of Music (1719), and features a predominantly castrato-dominated vocal landscape. The plot revolves around the historical figures of Radamisto, King of Armenia, his wife Polissena, and the tyrannical Tiridate, King of Parthia. The storyline focuses on themes of love, loyalty, honor, and sacrifice, as Radamisto and Polissena struggle against Tiridate's attempts to usurp the throne and claim Polissena for himself.

Handel revised the opera significantly, and the second version was premiered on December 28, 1720, also at the King's Theatre. This revised version featured changes to the orchestration, arias, and recitatives, and notably included transposing roles for a wider vocal range, particularly for the title character. The second version also added new music and altered the overall dramatic pacing.

Radamisto is notable for its dramatic intensity and the high quality of its vocal writing. Key arias include "Ombra cara," sung by Radamisto, and "Qual nave smarrita," sung by Polissena. The opera is considered one of Handel's early masterpieces, and its revival in the 20th and 21st centuries has solidified its place in the operatic repertoire. Different productions will often choose to perform either the first or second version, depending on the artistic choices of the director and musical director.