Aci, Galatea e Polifemo

Aci, Galatea e Polifemo (HWV 72), composed in 1708, is a dramatic oratorio that intertwines love, jealousy, and tragedy from Greek mythology. The narrative follows the shepherd Aci and the sea nymph Galatea, whose love is thwarted by the cyclops Polifemo. Consumed by rage, Polifemo kills Aci, but Galatea transforms his body into a clear water spring, immortalising their love.

This Baroque masterpiece features expressive arias and recitatives, capturing the psychological depth of its characters. The performance at The Liceu Opera House is conducted by René Jacobs, with the Kammerorchester Basel, and stars Kateryna Kasper as Aci, Sophie Harmsen as Galatea, and Christian Senn as Polifemo. The production offers a poignant exploration of human passion and the transcendence of love through nature.