Fabio Biondi, who was deeply involved in the reconstruction of this lost score, is surrounded here by a stunning cast of stars – Joyce DiDonato, Vivica Genaux, Diana Damrau, Philippe Jaroussky, Rolando Villazón – who come together as an ensemble of sumptuous unity and balance.

In 1723, at a time when he was very short of regular employment, Vivaldi was invited to compose his first Roman opera, to a libretto based on the ninth task of Hercules. Vivaldi gave of his best, including some hits from his earlier operas, and created a masterwork that exemplified his expressive range and offered a catalogue of striking orchestral and harmonic effects. The opera was such a triumph that the Pope himself requested a performance.