Opera in three parts-The libretto of Handels shortest opera is based on Plutarchs account of the life of the cruel Roman consul and dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla. He was a figure who went down in history above all for his reign of terror his libertine life-style andhis unexpected abdication and withdrawal to private life. As Sulla voluntarily declined his rulership Handel was able to provide a lieto fine - the happy ending typical of Baroque opera.