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The First Scholarly-Critical Edition of Francesco Cavalli's Il Xerse is Published

Jun. 01, 2020

Bärenreiter-Verlag has announced the publication of the first scholarly-critical edition of Francesco Cavalli's Il Xerse. This work, first performed in 1655 in the Teatro SS. Giovanni e Paolo in Venice, was one of the most successful operas of its day. The judiciously prepared scholarly-critical edition, edited by Sara Elisa Stangalino and Hendrik Schulze, forms part of the “Francesco Cavalli – Opere” series and is intended as a basis for research and performance of the opera. The editors have evaluated numerous historical sources, in particular those sources related to the libretto of the opera. In addition to the meticulously edited texts of the work they provide a detailed Introduction to the time of the work’s genesis, the historical subject matter, the cooperation between librettist and composer, the sources, and the performance practice of this music.

Francesco Cavalli’s operas, nearly 30 in total, share some of the most outstanding features of the operas of his teacher, Claudio Monteverdi, and provide a treasure trove of material waiting to be performed. The new critical edition "Francesco Cavalli – Opere" attempts to fill the need for reliable source-based editions as well as dependable performance materials. It is also designed to encourage productions of Cavalli's operas that have yet to be resurrected in modern times.

By publishing scholarly-critical editions that are designed for scholars and performers alike, the editors hope to satisfy and stimulate an interest in these works. The editions also help to demonstrate the myriad ways in which the vicissitudes of theatrical life were managed in the production of new operas on a regular basis.


(Francesco Cavalli/La Calisto/Les Talens Lyriques/Christophe Rousset, conductor)

To learn more about "Francesco Cavalli – Opere", including a publication schedule and brochure, click here.

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