General Discussion

Wednesdays

(21,613 posts)

16. Nero's name lives only in infamy.

Tue Dec 9, 2025, 12:26 PM

Dec 9

L'incoronazione di Poppea, Monteverdi's last opera, was about Nero and his mistress Poppea Sabina (who was as bad as he was, if you can imagine that!). For example, Nero and Poppea conspired to have his first wife killed so that Poppea could marry him.

Italians in 1643 were keenly aware of Nero's bad reputation, and I think the final duet (one of the most beautiful duets of all-time, IMHO) was composed with a sense of irony. It's likened to a love duet between Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun.

Note that Nero is singing in falsetto. In the 17th century that role would have been sung by a "castrato," a male that was literally castrated before puberty in order to preserve his soprano voice.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

18 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

"Nero Wins Rigged Greek Olympics" [View all] Collimator Dec 9 OP

When this is over, all of Dimwit Donnie's self-serving accolades Dr. T Dec 9 #1

Kinda like I never hear Rush L's name anymore duhneece Dec 9 #5

OK AI, show me Trump in a chariot. twodogsbarking Dec 9 #2

Of course malaise Dec 9 #3

He related to Forrest grump? KS Toronado Dec 9 #10

Bwaaaah malaise Dec 9 #11

We remember the name 'Nero'..... MyOwnPeace Dec 9 #4

I try to only use its name to describe a dirty toilet function..... lastlib Dec 9 #14

Nero's name lives only in infamy. Wednesdays Dec 9 #16

Interesting, but.......... MyOwnPeace Dec 9 #18

He's going to get the super gold medal at the LA Olympics newdeal2 Dec 9 #6

Love this little tidbit of history-thanks Collimator radical noodle Dec 9 #7

Thanks--weird how one little guy with all the power, one insane emperor, can create hell on earth for millions. Timeflyer Dec 9 #8

There are indeed some similarities. I just looked him up and found this: 70sEraVet Dec 9 #9

The orange assclown's presidential portrait should be painted black in the future. Crowman2009 Dec 9 #12

Emperor Tangerine thinks he is cementing his legacy by replacing the names of actual great... Ol Janx Spirit Dec 9 #13

Pee-resident Zero Kid Berwyn Dec 9 #15

As a half Greek-American this is especially interesting! electric_blue68 Dec 9 #17