Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno - Handel

Handel's first oratorio, 'Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno' (The Triumph of Time and Disenchantment) had its premiere in Rome in 1707. The plot surrounds the conflict between earthly pleasures and divine grace.

Bellezza (Beauty) knows that one day her beauty will fade, but Piacere (Pleasure) tries to convince her that this is not the case, and in doing so, promises her eternal beauty. Tempo (Time) and Disinganno (Disenchantment) do their best to warn Belleza that like a flower, beauty and it's charms will not last. Bellezza eventually discovers the truth, and frees herself from vanity, and in doing so, turns her heart to God.