By ČTK / Published 14 March 2008

 

Cesky Krumlov, South Bohemia, March 13 (CTK) - Czech harpsichordist and conductor Ondrej Macek from Cesky Krumlov chateau has found a substantial part of Vivaldi's opera Argippo in Bavaria and he is preparing its modern world première at Prague Castle on May 3, he told journalists today.

The opera was performed for the first time in 1730 in Prague for which Antonio Vivaldi composed it. He also probably conducted the opera then.

The opera has only been known from a period print of the libretto deposited in Prague's National Library while musicologists believed the scores has been lost for ever.

Macek uncovered the score in the private Thurn-Taxis archive in Regensburg, Bavaria, in 2006.

Macek, 37, cooperates in Cesky Krumlov with the Baroque Theatre Foundation in research into the rendering of baroque opera and he heads the Hofmusici international ensemble that performs on the chateau unique stage from time to time.  It is with the ensemble that Macek is preparing the opera premiere.

Macek said Vivaldi composed Argippo at the peak of his creation.  It has three acts and lasts over two hours. It is shorter than other operas from the period.  It tells the story of love, jealousy, honour and revenge based on confusion between two princes who court a princess.

Macek's discovery was recognised by the scientific commission of the Italian Institute of Antonio Vivaldi in Venice.  It was presented to experts at an international conference last June.  Further research showed that the Regensburg manuscript contains more than two thirds of the opera that has allowed Macek to reconstruct the work most authentically.

Hofmusici will also stage the opera at the baroque theatre in Cesky Krumlov and in Venice in October.