Hasse (and Metastasio) wrote 'Il Ruggiero' as a personal favour to Maria
Therese, the Austrian empress who protected both of them, in advanced old
age.  The opera was all but eclipsed by the presentation of the 'youngest
of composers', a certain Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 'Ascanio in Alba' the
following night.  Both operas were commissioned for an imperial wedding
in Milan in 1771.

Now 'Il Ruggiero' is available in a private 'live' recording of a
performance in Milan during May 2000 directly from Musica Rara.

   http://www.musicarara.com/

thank you for your interest!

Giuliano Finessi