Contents
Giulio Cesare: Character Map
Giulio Cesare: Roles
| Giulio Cesare | Julius Caesar | alto castrato |
| Cleopatra | Queen of Egypt | soprano |
| Tolomeo | King of Egypt, Cleopatra’s brother | alto castrato |
| Cornelia | widow of Pompey | contralto |
| Sesto | Pompey’ son | soprano |
| Achilla | Tolomeo’s General | bass |
| Curio | Caesar’s General | bass |
| Nireno | Cleopatra’s servant | alto castrato |
- Native title: Giulio Cesare
- Other title: Giulio Cesare in Egitto
- Composers: George Frideric Handel
- Librettist: Nicola Francesco Haym
- Based on: Giacomo Francesco Bussani
- Language: Italian
- Premiere: February 20, 1724, King’s Theatre, Haymarket
- Running time: 3 hours minutes (Act 1: 85 minutes, Act 2: 70 minutes, Act 3: 60 minutes)
Giulio Cesare: Short Synopsis
Giulio Cesare has reached Egypt in pursuit of his political enemy Pompey. Aquilla, an Egyptian general, offered Cesare Pompey’s head. Cesare angrily drives Aquilla away. Pompey’s widow and son swear revenge against the king of Egypt.
Cleopatra and Tolomeo are in a power struggle. She decides to seduce Cesare to gain power. Aquila informs Tolomeo, King of Egypt, of Cesare’s anger. Tolomeo decides to assassinate Cesare.
A battle ensues between Cleopatra and Tolomeo. Cesare and Cleopatra almost lose for a time, but Pompey’s son succeeds in avenging his enemy and kills Tolomeo. Cleopatra gains power as queen of Egypt with Cesare’s help.