The story is set in southern Italy and recounts the tragedy of Canio, the lead clown in a commedia dell'arte troupe, his wife Nedda, and her lover, Silvio.

OvertureGeorgeFridericHandel:Alcina,HWV34ActI1."MyAriel"(Prospero,Ariel)–"Ah,ifyouwouldearnyourfreedom"(Prospero)AntonioVivaldi:Cessate,omaicess…