What is “La Liberazione di Ruggiero?” No doubt that this very opera profile might strike some curiosity from unknowing readers.

Its importance is tantamount to the art form, especially in the 21^st century. Simply put, “La Liberazione di Ruggiero” is the first opera composed by a woman. Moreover, it was also one of the first works to shift the narrative from classical subjects to a narrative drawn from Renaissance epic. As if that wasn’t groundbreaking enough, the opera was also considered for years to be the first Italian opera performed outside of Italy.

Its world premiere came on Feb. 3, 1625 in Florence.

Short Plot Summary

The opera centers on Alcina and Melissa, two contrasting sorceresses, and their competition for the soul and body of Ruggiero, a warrior. Alcina is sensual in nature while Melissa is moralistic.

Melissa’s aim is to save Ruggerio from Alcina’s sexual spells and restore him to his military duty and to his fiancée Bradamante. She seeks out Ruggiero in the disguise of his aging African teater Atlante and tries to convince him to return to battle. Melissa manages the feat and promises to return for other victims of Alcina’s power.

When Alcina returns and realizes that Ruggiero is gone, she seeks him out, confronts him, but ultimately fails to win him back. She calls on monsters for her aid and rides off on a dragon.

Creatures that had been trapped in the bodies of the island’s plants rise up and then they plead with Melissa to free the women and men who are plants on the island. She does just that and everyone celebrates.

Watch and Listen

Here is a recording of the work.