The opera was first given at the King's Theatre in London on 9 December 1721 and was a success with audiences, being revived by Handel in several subsequent seasons. The plot involves dynastic struggles and love tangles in a fictionalised Ancient Persia and is notable for an exceptionally beautiful duet,"Ah, mia cara."
Librettist
Paolo Antonio Rolli , after Francesco Silvani's "La costanza in trionfo"
Voice (Castrato)
- Floridante, Prince of Thrace
Voice (Bass)
- Oronte, King of Persia
Voice (Castrato)
- Timante, Prince of Tyre
Voice (Soprano)
- Rossane, Oronte's daughter
Voice (Contralto)
- Elmira
Voice (Bass)
- Coralbo, Persian satrap
Orchestra