About the work
Opera in three acts by Giovanni Bononcini after a libretto by Pietro Metastasio, premiered on 28 August 1737 in Vienna to mark the birthday of Empress Elisabeth Christine.
Plot
The Armenian princess Zenobia is secretly married to the Iberian prince Radamisto, although she had been promised to the Parthian prince Tiridate. After her father is murdered, both are driven into mortal danger while fleeing; when Tiridate unknowingly arrives in Armenia, the jealous Zopiro's intrigues threaten to divide the couple, until proof of Radamisto's innocence and Zenobia's loyalty comes to light and Tiridate magnanimously steps aside.
Cultural significance
With around 25 documented settings, Metastasio's libretto ranks among the most frequently used opera texts of the 18th century; Bononcini's setting was the first, and it was chosen to mark an imperial birthday celebration.