I cherusci is a dramma per musica in 2 acts by Simon Mayr to a libretto by Gaetano Rossi. It was first performed at the Teatro Argentina, Rome, for Carnival 1808.John Allitt -J. S. Mayr: Father of 19th Century Italian Music 1989 p.179 "I CHERUSCI. Dramma per musica in 2 acts; libretto by Gaetano Rossi. Rome, Teatro Argentina, Carnival 1808."(pdf) The plot is at the time of the battles between the Germanic tribes the Marcomanni and Cherusci.Gerald Abraham The Age of Beethoven, 1790-1830 1982 Page 390 The model is obviously Die Zauberflöte, which is often echoed in detail, and there is nearly always a sonorous bass High Priest; it is no surprise that the Chief Druid in I Cherusci is called Zarastro . Mayr's frequent storms ... ...
Cast Treuta, tenor - popular leader of the Marcomanni people Tusnelda, soprano - Treuta's slave, a Cheruscan, but due to be sacrificed by the druids Tamaro, soprano - enemy leader of the Cherusci and bards Zarasto, bass - high priest of the druids Ercilda, soprano - allied with Treuta Carilo, tenor - leader of the Sarronides, allied with Treuta Dunclamo, tenor - adoptive father of Tusnelda, who later discovers that Treuta is Tusnelda's father Araldo, tenor
Recording I cherusci Bayerische Staatsoper, Franz Hauk. Naxos 2CD 2019 Musicweb review
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