Johann Adolf Hasse Marc’Antonio e Cleopatra

Hasse's serenata is set in the aftermath of the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. The forces of the victorious Octavian (later Augustus) have comprehensively defeated the army of Marcus Antonius, and all of Egypt is now in Roman hands. Against this political backdrop Hasse tells the private story of two lovers: the general Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra, the legendary queen of Egypt. Both have fled at the end of the battle, Marcus to be with his beloved as quickly as possible, and Cleopatra to avoid being taken to Rome as a prisoner. Together they reminisce about their early days as a couple, when they came together not as ruler and military leader, but simply as lovers. While Marcus briefly considers making another attempt to fight their common cause with fresh troops, Cleopatra is certain that her end is near. She wants to die on her own terms and in freedom; Marcus Antonius wishes to be united with her in death. Thus they choose to commit suicide together, their last thoughts turning to a golden future for the “Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation” under Emperor Charles VI and Empress Elisabeth Christine, the reigning couple in Hasse’s own time.