Loosely based on the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece, Cavalli’s Jason was a runaway hit when it premiered in Venice in 1649, and it proved one of the most popular operas of the 17th century. Like many operas from this period, the story uses classical myth as a jumping off point. The opera opens after Jason has abandoned his wife, Isiphile, for the sorceress Medea. Cupid, protector of Isiphile, intervenes on her behalf, sending Jason and a motley cast of characters on a rocky journey back to his family in Lemnos.
Cavalli’s dazzling score careens fluidly between humour and...
