Among the lesser-known works in Antonio Vivaldi’s extensive oeuvre is an opera titled Scanderbeg, which was originally performed at the Teatro della Pergola in Florence on June 22, 1718. This performance marked the re-opening of the historic theatre, renowned for its architectural beauty and cultural significance. The choice of Scanderbeg as the opera for this prestigious event underscores Vivaldi’s prominence in the music world of his time and reflects the enduring fascination with the Albanian national hero, who continued to captivate audiences nearly 300 years after his heroic deeds. Unfortunately, only a few arias from Vivaldi’s Scanderbeg survive today, preserved in Turin, Italy, while the complete libretto is archived in Bologna.
In addition to Vivaldi’s composition, another opera titled Scanderbeg was created by the 18th-century French composer François Francoeur. This opera was performed at Fontainebleau on October 22, 1763, in the presence of King Louis XV and Queen Maria Charlotte Leszczyńska of France. Francoeur’s Scanderbeg is notable for its complete preservation, including both the original and revised versions, as well as the librettos and musical scores. These works are held in a library in Paris, offering a comprehensive look into Francoeur’s interpretation of the Albanian hero.
Recent information provided to Frosina by Peter Rennie of London’s Anglo-Albanian Association reveals that a third opera about Scanderbeg was composed by Bernard Germain de Lacépède (1765-1805), a French naturalist, politician, and musician. Although Lacépède is better known for his later roles as President of the French Senate and Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honor, he also composed five operas. The opera Scanderbeg was commissioned by a committee from the Académie Royale de Musique in 1785. However, this work never reached the stage, as Lacépède destroyed it under unknown circumstances.
Scanderbeg, the revered national hero of Albania, was born Gjergj Kastrioti in 1405 in northern Albania. He was taken as a hostage from his father, Gjon Kastrioti, and raised in Turkey, where he served in the Ottoman army. Known as Skënder (a name derived from Alexander the Great), he earned recognition for his military prowess in the Balkans and Asia Minor, ultimately receiving the title of Bey (Lord of the Land). He adopted the name Scanderbeg (Albanian: Skënderbeu) and carried it throughout his life.
In 1443, Scanderbeg led a significant revolt against the Ottomans in Krujë, northern Albania. Despite being vastly outnumbered, he achieved several victories due to his strategic acumen, knowledge of Ottoman military tactics, and the support of the local population. His campaign was ultimately thwarted by overwhelming forces and his death in 1468. Despite the failure of the revolt, Scanderbeg’s legacy continues to inspire Albanians around the world.
From 1983 to 1986, Van Christo undertook a thorough search across Italy and France, uncovering copies of both Vivaldi’s and Francoeur’s operas about Scanderbeg. He plans to donate these invaluable materials to several institutions, including The School for the Arts at Boston University and the Fan Noli Library in Boston, ensuring that these historical operas will be preserved and accessible for future generations.