ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the Neapolitan opera seria, and the reforms of the poet laureates Stampiglia, Zeno, Metastasio and Calzabigi. It is in this light that the reforms of Stampiglia, Zeno and Metastasio must be considered, and as authors task is to follow the literature of this form of theatre, the musical achievement of the Neapolitan masters is not a primary concern. Zeno's reworking of the melodrama prepares the way for its total transformation by Metastasio. Metastasio's first dramatic effort was a tragedy, Giustiniano, written when he was 14 years old. It is based on Italia liberata dai goti by Trissino. The most important result of the Calzabigi/Gluck reform was the relaxing of the existing rigid forms. Orfeo ed Euridice by Calzabigi is a poetic work of nobility and statuesque beauty. Here the legend made music-drama by Rinuccini and Striggio is produced on a far grander scale.
