Pomona

Reinhard Keiser is regarded as one of the most important German opera composers of the baroque era, and his Pomona forms the ideal introduction to the world of the German-language baroque opera. A few deities come together to participate in a contest ultimately to be decided by Jupiter, the father of the gods. And that's it! No intricate plot, no complicated character groupings (A loves B, B loves C, C loves A), and no exceptional length wearying the public. The Sieg der fruchtbaren Pomona (Victory of the Fruitful Pomona) of 1702 has first-class poetry and music and is an extremely entertaining work; a model example of vibrant musical theater, it offers audiences a kaleidoscope of personalities, of »types« ranging from the »girlish« Pomona to the »old man« Jupiter. Pomona was the last opera based on a libretto by Christian Heinrich Postel. This highly experienced librettist had recognized the young Reinhard Keiser's talent, and beginning in 1697 he penned his texts exclusively for his musical settings. Pomona was the first of a total of four operas dedicated to the Danish royal house.