25.01.25 – 26.01.25, The Triumph of Time and Truth, opera project

The Triumph of Time and Truth (Il Trionfo del Tempo e della Verità) is an allegorical oratorio by George Frideric Handel, originally composed in 1707 as Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno and later revised and expanded in 1737 and 1757. The work explores the struggle between temporal pleasures and eternal truths, expressed in a series of musical dialogues between allegorical characters.

Main characters (allegories):

Time (The Time): Represents the inevitable nature of change and the decay of earthly beauty.

Truth (The Truth): Symbolises eternal wisdom and spiritual reality.

Beauty (The Beauty): Represents physical attractiveness and earthly desires.

Pleasure (The Pleasure): Embodies seduction and worldly pleasures.

Deceit (The Temptation): Represents illusions and false promises that glorify beauty and pleasure but ultimately prove empty.

Story

The oratorio begins with Beauty, seduced by Pleasure, enjoying the pleasures of the world. However, she is confronted by Time and Truth, who remind her of the transience of beauty and the temporary nature of earthly pleasures. Pleasure, together with Deceit, tries to convince Beauty that life is all about embracing joy and pleasure, but Time and Truth make her increasingly doubtful.

As the story unfolds, Beauty faces the inevitable reality of ageing and mortality. In the end, she recognises the wisdom of Time and Truth and decides to give up her earthly pleasures to pursue spiritual fulfilment and eternal truth.