Admeto was another opera of Handel's in which the composer and librettist had to write for two equal leading ladies. The subject matter is different than any of Handel's other operas written for the Academy. Instead of an historical plot, Handel wrote an opera based on a mythological subject. There is plenty of opportunity for spectacle in the libretto. There is a sleep scene, a hell scene, a pastoral symphony, impressive variety, and incredible music. The very first scene is often compared with Gluck's Orfeo for the treatment of its subject matter, which is that of a deranged and raving king tortured by the furies. The characterizations of the lead women are masterful, well-rounded, and dramatically powerful. The opera was very successful, and played to full houses for a total of eight performances its initial run.

The libretto to Admeto is based on Ortensio Mauro's L'Alceste, and thought to be by Rolli for a variety of reasons. Rolli was a better versifier than Haym, but he had no sense of visual dramatics. He very often did not write scene changes, stage directions, and he left characters stranded on stage. Handel's imagination was such that he was inspired by an opera's setting and dramatic action; he and Rolli were not the best collaborative team for that reason. However, in this opera, Handel rises above his limitations and produces some fine, electrifying music. The setting of the original libretto by Mauro was performed in Hanover and known to King George I, as was the original version of Alessandro. The choice of two Hanoverian operas was meant as an act of homage to the King.

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