Berenice (HWV 38) is an opera in three acts by George Frideric Handel to a 1709 Antonio Salvi libretto, Berenice, regina d’Egitto, or Berenice, Queen of Egypt. Handel began the music in December 1736; the premiere took place at Covent Garden Theatre in London on 18 May 1737 — but was unsuccessful, with just three further performances. Set circa 81 B.C., Berenice traces the life of Cleopatra, who was Berenice III of Egypt and daughter of Ptolemy IX, the main character in another Handel opera, Tolomeo.
| Librettist | Antonio Salvi |
| Date of composition | 1737 (December 1736 to January 1737) |
| Premiered | 1737, May 18th (Covent Garden Theatre) in London, UK |
| Type | Opera |
| Catalogue | HWV 37 |
| Spoken language | Italian |
| Instruments |
Voice (Soprano)
- Berenice, Queen of Egypt
Voice (Contralto) - Selene, Berenice's sister Voice (Castrato) - Alessandro, a Roman nobleman Voice (Castrato) - Demetrio, a prince Voice (Contralto) - Arsace, another prince Voice (Tenor) - Fabio, Roman messenger Voice (Bass) - Aristobolo, captain Orchestra |
| Links | |
| Autotranslations beta |
Georg Friedrich Haendel: Berenice, HWV 37 Georg Friedrich Händel: Berenice, HWV 37 Georg Friedrich Händel: Berenice, HWV 37 |