About the work
Dramma per musica in three acts, the twelfth opera Antonio Vivaldi composed in 1719 for the Teatro Arciducale in Mantua, where he was serving as court Kapellmeister at the time. The libretto by Apostolo Zeno already dated from 1706 and drew on motifs from Racine's "Bajazet" and Thomas Corneille's "Le Comte d'Essex".
Plot
After the death of the Chinese emperor Troncone, his son Teuzzone is meant to succeed him, but the widow Zidiana allies herself with the governor Cino and the general Sivenio to seize power herself. Using forged documents she initially manages to usurp the throne, while Teuzzone's betrothed, the Tartar princess Zelinda, opposes her schemes. Only when the emperor's genuine testament surfaces is Teuzzone's claim to the throne restored.
Cultural significance
According to contemporary reports the premiere was a great success; the score shows unusual variety for a court opera of its time, including accompanied recitatives and ensemble movements beyond the standard da capo aria. As was customary in opera seria of the period, the title role was sung "en travesti" by a soprano.