The opera seria Giulio Cesare in Egitto HWV 17, in three acts, by Georg Friedrich Handel (1685-1759), was a huge success at its premiere in London in 1724 and was performed many times. The libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym, inspired by historical facts, presents a political drama mixed with amorous intrigues. In the sublime aria 'Priva son d'ogni conforto' at the beginning of Act I, Cornelia mourns the death of her husband Pompey, Caesar's defeated rival.

Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17 - Act I, Scene 4: Priva son, d'ogni conforto

George Frideric Handel

Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17 - Act I, Scene 4: Priva son, d'ogni conforto

George Frideric Handel

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