About the work
Catone in Utica is a three-act opera seria by Johann Christian Bach, set to Pietro Metastasio's libretto. It premiered on 4 November 1761 at the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples and ranks among Bach's most successful and widely performed operas; it returned to the stage in Milan as early as 1762.
Plot
The Roman senator Cato defends the dying republic against Julius Caesar in Utica. His daughter Marzia, betrothed to Prince Arbace, secretly loves Caesar, while Emilia's intrigues and desire for revenge escalate the conflict. After the military defeat, Cato takes his own life rather than submit to dictatorship.
Cultural significance
Cast with the sought-after singers Tommaso Guarducci, Clementina Spagnoli and Anton Raaff, the opera cemented Bach's reputation as an opera composer in Naples and helped pave the way for his move to London soon after.