In Monteverdi’s career, which left us with only three lyrical works, The Return of Ulysses to His Homeland (1640) marks a turning point in Venetian opera. Following L’Orfeo, created for the court of Mantua, this second work, three decades later, was aimed at paying audiences of Venice’s San Cassiano Theatre (opened in 1637). With opera becoming social and popular, its heroes descend from their mythological pedestal to experience the joys and sorrows of the spectators who identify with them… and come to admire singer-actors who must keep them captivated through a thrilling libretto and continually inspired music! Thanks to the ancient theme of Ulysses’ return, passion and action lie at the heart of the drama. Penelope sings of her endless waiting, her painful yet enduring hope to see the king of her heart again, while suitors besiege her to claim her hand and the throne. Ulysses’ return, finally reaching Ithaca after twenty years of wanderings, sets the drama in motion. Disguised as an old man to remain incognito, he goes in search of his son Telemachus, and then arrives at the palace for the contest Penelope has arranged: whoever can string Ulysses’ historic bow will win the queen’s hand. The old man in rags appears before the court and fulfills his revenge…

Dramma in musica in three acts with a libretto by Giacomo Badoaro, premiered in Venice in 1640.