Johann Adolf Hasse’s Cleofide from 1731 was his first opera for the Dresden court. It tells of Cleofide’s loyalty and the unwavering benevolence of the conqueror Alessandro. Hasse wrote vividly colorful music for the best orchestra in Europe and tailored the leading role for his wife, the famous prima donna Faustina Bordoni. Cleofide marked the beginning of Hasse’s time as court conductor to the Elector of Saxony and the King of Poland, during which period Dresden was to emerge as one of the leading musical cities of the 18th century.