I cherusci explained

I cherusci is a dramma per musica in 2 acts by Simon Mayr to a libretto by Gaetano Rossi. It was first performed at the Teatro Argentina, Rome, for Carnival 1808.^{[1] [2]} The plot is at the time of the battles between the Germanic tribes the Marcomanni and Cherusci.^[3]

Cast

• Treuta, tenor - popular leader of the Marcomanni people
• Tusnelda, soprano - Treuta's slave, a Cheruscan, but due to be sacrificed by the druids
• Tamaro, soprano - enemy leader of the Cherusci and bards
• Zarasto, bass - high priest of the druids
• Ercilda, soprano - allied with Treuta
• Carilo, tenor - leader of the Sarronides, allied with Treuta
• Dunclamo, tenor - adoptive father of Tusnelda, who later discovers that Treuta is Tusnelda's father
• Araldo, tenor

Recording

• I cherusci Bayerische Staatsoper, Franz Hauk. Naxos 2CD 2019 ^[4]

Notes and References

1. John Allitt -J. S. Mayr: Father of 19th Century Italian Music 1989 p.179 "I CHERUSCI. Dramma per musica in 2 acts; libretto by Gaetano Rossi. Rome, Teatro Argentina, Carnival 1808."
2. http://www.mayr-edition.com/files/Winkler/ICherusci-Programm-2016.pdf (pdf)
3. Gerald Abraham The Age of Beethoven, 1790-1830 1982 Page 390 The model is obviously Die Zauberflöte, which is often echoed in detail, and there is nearly always a sonorous bass High Priest ; it is no surprise that the Chief Druid in I Cherusci is called Zarastro . Mayr's frequent storms ... ...
4. http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2019/Apr/Mayr_Cherusci_8660399.htm Musicweb review