ANTONIO MAZZONI (1717-1785): Antigono.

Description: This opera seria is the answer to a great trivia question: what opera was about to be premiered in Lisbon in 1755 when the great earthquake completely destroyed the brand-new, spectacularly ornate and beautiful royal opera house? The music is between baroque and classical - longer melodic phrases, contrasting themes in the same section, varied orchestral writing with broader use of winds (pairs of oboes, horns and trumpets) - just what you'd expect for the date. And yes, it's a true opera seria in length: 3 hrs. and 16 min.! 3 CDs. Libretto and translation available on-line. Michael Spyres (tenor), Geraldine McGreevy, Pamela Lucciarini, Ana Quintans (sopranos), Divino Sospiro; Enrico Onofri.