March 14 1812: Cyrus in Babylon Opera

On March 14, 1812, the opera Ciro in Babilonia, ossia La caduta di Baldassare or Cyrus in Babylon, or The Downfall of Belshazzar by Gioachino Rossini was probably first performed at the Teatro Comunale, Ferrara.  It is one of two Lenten operas by Rossini, the other being Moses in Egypt.  Lenten operas could be performed during Lent in the Italian opera houses that were otherwise closed.

Ciro in Babilonia (1812), opera by Gioaccino Rossini. 

Argene's aria sung by Sophie Daneman