Historical Background

Alessandro Scarlatti (1660-1725) was born in Palermo and was the most important opera composer of his generation. He was instrumental in establishing Naples as a leading operatic center during the last two decades of the 17th century. He wrote at least 66 operas, and contemporaries respected him for the quality and depth of his music.

For a long time, scholars credited him with inventing the da capo aria and accompanied recitative. Although evidence now proves these forms predate him, Scarlatti did much to establish them as standard forms in opera. Naples hosted the first performance of “Lidia e Sergio” in 1719, pairing it with Scarlatti’s “Cambise.” Researchers discovered the music in Naples.

Intermezzi

Intermezzi, such as Lidia e Sergio, are short, comic operas that are performed between the acts of the larger opera seria (serious opera). Typically, each act of the intermezzo is performed during the breaks between the acts of the main opera. These intermezzi usually involve just two main characters—a soprano and a bass—who carry out the comedic action.

Her schemes drive the comedy. Musically, her lines are light and agile. The bass is generally a buffo character and has a large vocal range and uses patter (fast vocal passages) which show humor. These domestic stories offer a delightful contrast to the tragedy of the main opera.