Concerto by Various, Da (2012/2012), Direttore d'orchestra Dmitry Sinkovsky, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria

In the 18th century, female characters in serious operas, the opera serie, were not humble, tender victims as they were in the following bourgeois era. Beautiful, power-conscious and clever, they often fight successfully in the factories for her throne and her love. They show virtues that predestine them to be rulers, often more convincingly than their male counterparts. Even when they have to accept defeat, they do not lose their composure, but rather tame the exuberant affects in a noble manner. Joyce DiDonato presents royal arias by Armida, Berenice, Cleopatra, Semiramide and other strong women.