In an opera by this composer, a deposed King of Lombardy performs the aria “Dove sei, amato bene?” For 10 points each:
[10h] Name this composer of Rodelinda. In a different opera by this composer, a second set of instruments plays behind stage as a woman seduces a Roman commander in the aria “V’adoro pupille.”
ANSWER: George Frideric Handel [or George Frederick Handel or Georg Friedrich Händel] (The opera is Giulio Cesare.)
[10e] Handel’s role of Giulio Cesare (“JOOL-yo CHEH-zah-ray”) is often performed today by women because it was premiered by Senesino, one of these singers whose testicles were removed to sing in the soprano or contralto range.
ANSWER: castrato [or castrati; accept evirato or evirati; prompt on eunuchs]
[10m] While rehearsing, Handel told his tenor Alexander Gordon that audiences would rather hear him jump onto one of these instruments than sing. This instrument, which plays recitativo secco with cellos in opera, was the subject of a 1716 treatise by François Couperin.
ANSWER: harpsichord [or clavecin; accept The Art of Playing the Harpsichord or L’art de toucher le clavecin; prompt on keyboard]
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