Lucio Silla

opera by Mozart

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June 30, 2026

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Lucio Silla is an opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, composed in 1772 during his third tour of Italy. It premiered in Milan on December 26, 1772, and was a significant success, with 26 performances. The opera's leading role was sung by the castrato Venanzio Rauzzini, for whom Mozart later wrote the motet Exsultate, Jubilate. This work is considered an early indication of Mozart's developing dramatic talent.12

The opera is set during the time of the Roman dictator Lucius Sulla, who seized power through civil war and implemented a reign of terror and extensive reforms.3

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The Italian tours of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lucio Silla (“Lucius Sulla”), the new opera, was given on December 26, 1772, and after a difficult premiere (it began three hours late and lasted six) it proved even more successful than Mitridate, with 26 performances. This is the earliest indication of the dramatic composer…
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Lucio Silla (“Lucius Sulla”), the new opera, was given on December 26, 1772, and after a difficult premiere (it began three hours late and lasted six) it proved even more successful than Mitridate, with 26 performances. This is the earliest indication of the dramatic composer…
Read More