Cara speme questo core

George Frideric Handel
Giulio Cesare, HWV 17
Cara speme, questo core
Act I, Scene 2
Libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym, after Giacamo Francesco Bussani.

This is not my most favorite version but, since I uploaded another aria from the same production, I will follow suit.. I wish I had the one with Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, she is my favorite for this aria.. I want to upload a few more arias from this production of Cesare.. After that I want to post the different versions.. I just love Handel operas, Cesare in particular...

About the opera and the role:

Opera Giulio Cesare in Egitto was first performed at the King's Theatre, Haymarket, London, on 20th of February 1724 with legendary alto castrato Senesino (Francesco Bernardi) performing the title role, Francesca Cuzzoni as Cleopatra and the castrato Gaetano Berenstadt in the role of Ptolemy, or Tolomeo as he is called in the Italian libretto.

Sesto (or Sextus) is the son of Cornelia and Pompey who has been killed by the Egyptians to show their loyalty to Caesar. The part of Sesto was first cast as a woman and then recast in Handel's lifetime as a tenor part. It is mostly cast as a trousers role in contemporary productions.

Cleopatra is in disguise and using the name Lidia. She overhears Cornelia and Sesto planning to avenge Pompey's murder by Cleopatra's brother Tolomeo. Cleopatra offers her help and Sesto rejoices, believing that they will soon have their revenge. Sesto assures her that he will fulfill his duty while taking the time to mourn his father's death.


Cara speme, questo core
tu cominci a lusingar.
Par che il ciel presti favore
i miei torti a vendicar.


Translation (thanks to LaBelleHelene)

Dear hope
is encouraging my heart
heaven seems to favor
vengeance for injustice