About the work
Solimano is a three-act opera seria by Johann Adolph Hasse, set to a libretto written specifically for him by Giovanni Ambrogio Migliavacca — his first work after joining the Dresden court in 1752. The premiere on 5 February 1753 at Dresden's Zwinger opera house became one of the most lavish events of the Dresden carnival season, with elaborate designs by Giuseppe Galli da Bibiena and live elephants, camels and horses on stage.
Plot
Sultan Solimano (Suleiman) awaits his son Selim's victorious return from the war against Persia; Selim falls in love with the captive princess Narsea. Grand Vizier Rustem falsely accuses Selim of treason, but Osmin's confession that the evidence was forged resolves the intrigue and leads to reconciliation and a double wedding.
Cultural significance
Twelve sold-out performances set new standards of operatic spectacle at the Dresden court and established Migliavacca's reputation as court poet.