Historical

Source: MS.3901, Santini Collection of the Diözesan Library, Münster. It is the only source of this work, which consists of chamber duets with basso continuo. One of the works, the famous 'Questo silenzio ombroso' carries the comment '1707 in Urbino'.

This is a substantial chamber duet with recits & arias for both characters as well as two extensive duets.

Editor: James Sanderson

An enormous and complex work for soprano and continuo telling through her own voice the fate of Cleopatra after being betrayed and deserted by Rome. Poison, asps, vengeance, fury, it has everything. In 24(!) parts, some as short as 2 bars, Colonna has created a scene of operatic drama and intensity. The poetry is by Sigr D Donato Copeda

Source: BL Add MS 27931 (large quarto with the Medici coat of arms)
Range: c - b flat''

Editor: James Sanderson