Giambattista Varesco

Giambattista Varesco

1735-11-01
69 (1805-08-25)
Trento, Italy

Father Varesco (1735–1805) was a chaplain, musician, poet and (most famously) librettist to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Varesco's only familiar work with Mozart is the libretto to Idomeneo; the abortive L'oca del Cairo is little-known.

Trento, Italy

Father Varesco (1735–1805) was a chaplain, musician, poet and (most famously) librettist to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Varesco's only familiar work with Mozart is the libretto to Idomeneo; the abortive L'oca del Cairo is little-known.

Most Known for...

Movie Picture

Idomeneo 1982 (9)

Opera royalty Luciano Pavarotti brings dignity and power to the title role in this 1982 production. During a squall at sea, Idomeneo -- the king of Crete -- swears to Neptune that if the monarch survives, he'll sacrifice the first person he encounters onshore. Tragically, that person ends up being his son, Idamante (Frederica Von Stade). Maestro James Levine masterfully conducts the orchestra and chorus of the Metropolitan Opera. A musical production that was designed for the "Live From the Met" series, this program was produced by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle.
Movie Picture

The Metropolitan Opera: Idomeneo 2017 (4)

Mozart’s early masterpiece returned to the Met for the first time in more than a decade with Music Director Emeritus James Levine, who led the work’s company premiere in 1982, again on the podium. Tenor Matthew Polenzani brings both steely resolve and compassionate warmth to the title king of Crete, who is faced with an impossible decision. With her rich mezzo-soprano, Alice Coote sings the trouser role of Idomeneo’s son Idamante, who loves the Trojan princess Ilia, sung with delicate lyricism by Nadine Sierra. Elza van den Heever gives a thrillingly unhinged portrayal of the jealous Elettra. Jean Pierre-Ponnelle’s timeless production blends the grandeur of ancient myth with the elegance of Enlightenment ideals.
Movie Picture

Idomeneo 1983

Live from Glyndebourne 1983