How successful was Mozart’s opera Lucio Silla in Milan?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, oil on canvas by Barbara Krafft, 1819.

Mozart’s opera Lucio Silla, which premiered in Milan on December 26, 1772, was a significant success. Although the premiere was difficult—starting three hours late and lasting for six hours—the work ultimately proved even more successful than his earlier opera Mitridate, achieving a total of 26 performances.1

This production serves as the earliest indication of the dramatic composer Mozart would eventually become. Following the success of the opera, he composed the solo motet Exsultate, jubilate for the opera's leading singer, the castrato Venanzio Rauzzini.1