Shepherds, nymphs, satyrs and forest creatures animate forgotten bucolic scenarios and project listeners into a magical world. Practiced in Vienna since the seventeenth century, the Festa teatrale was a great success in various European courts, often becoming the ideal genre to celebrate political-dynastic events in music and claim the ruler’s supremacy and leadership. Festivities such as weddings, coronations, ceremonies, name-days and birthdays of the emperor and empress were celebrated with stately and extravagant performances. Allegorical-mythological solutions thus became the perfect tool to mirror and amplifying the glory of the court. La Favorita guides you through a rediscovery of less-known vocal and instrumental compositions, which deserve to be heard and depict greek-roman figures in all their splendor and grace.

Music by: F.B. Conti, A. Caldara, J.D. Heinicken, J.J. Fux