Hasse's opera from 1731 can be considered the pinnacle of his work to date - not least because the composer integrated some of the best arias from his earlier works into "Cleofide". The antique theme - Alexander's Indian conquests - was very well suited to flatter Augustus the Strong, a rather hapless general who was in the process of reorganizing his armies. Metastasio's original libretto was adapted by Michelangelo Boccardi for use in Dresden. The title was changed from "Alessandro nell' Indie" to "Cleofide" and the prima donna, Faustina, became the main character of the action.Musically, the opera was at the height of its time. Hasse's expressive yet natural style was admired and appreciated by audiences and professional musicians alike. The vocal parts were "tailor-made" for the singers and the Dresden orchestra was able to shine as a whole and also thanks to the outstanding soloists. Hasse always endeavored to get the best out of his musicians. In the case of "Cleofide", he succeeded one hundred percent.This edition of the opera, published by Carus-Verlag as part of a Hasse selected edition, is the first printed edition. It is mainly based on the original parts from the first performance in 1731 and offers both a scholarly and practical preparation of these sources.
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