Francesco Cavalli - Giasone (1649)

Giasone (Jason) is an opera in three acts and a prologue with music by Francesco Cavalli and a libretto by Giacinto Andrea Cicognini. It was premiered at the Teatro San Cassiano, Venice on 5 January 1649, during carnival. Giasone is said to be "the single most popular opera of the 17th century." The plot is loosely based on the story of Jason and the golden fleece, but the opera contains many comic elements too.