Agrippina, an opera in the form of a dramma per musica, was composed by George Frideric Handel with a libretto written by Vincenzo Grimani. It premiered in Venice, a city that was not only a cultural melting pot but also a hub for operatic innovation. The opera tells the story of Agrippina's manipulations to ensure her son, Nero, ascends to the throne. The characters are richly developed, reflecting the complexities of power, ambition, and betrayal, drawing the audience into a fascinating narrative set against the backdrop of ancient Rome.

As Handel's first opera to achieve great acclaim, Agrippina featured impressive vocal demands and complex orchestration, which showcased Handel's growing expertise in musical storytelling. The initial audience reception was enthusiastic, indicating that Handel had successfully tapped into the operatic trends of his time while establishing his unique compositional voice. The performance employed an ensemble cast, highlighting the varied talents of singers who would later become influential figures in the operatic world.

Hanoverian influences can also be observed in the work, anticipating the connections that would later bind Handel to the British court. This premiere not only marked a career milestone for Handel but also set the stage for the future of opera as an emotional and dramatic art form. Agrippina remains a pivotal work within Handel's oeuvre, illustrating his skill in melding music with narrative depth.