Oratorio in 2 parts
Text by Kardinal Benedetto Pamphilj
First performed, probably, 1707, Teatro del Collegio Clementino, Rome
Sung in Italian with German surtitles
Introductory talks (in German) 30 mins before performances begin in the Bockenheimer Depot, here on video shortly after opening night and everywhere where podcasts can be found.
How to become self-aware and lead a meaningful life? Does the secret to happiness lie in accepting finiteness and overcoming human vanities?
In 1707 22 year-old Handel started making a name for himself in Rome with his brilliant improvisations on the organ, and wealthy friends, one of whom was Cardinal Benedetto Pamphili who provided the composer not only with the financial means, but also the text for this argument between beauty, enjoyment, disillusionment, or truth, and time. Handel’s first oratorio Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno holds a mirror up to the Vatican’s determined steps against secular works for the stage, which culminated in several theatres being closed. By calling his work an oratorio the composer managed to circumnavigate the »opera probita« hurdle, but his dramatic instinct shines through in every note.
Handel portrayed the four characters‘ debate with captivating imagination. Throughout his life Handel made use of music from his first oratorio, not least the well-known aria »Lascia ch’io pianga« in Rinaldo, which is given to the allegorical figure of enjoyment in this work.
