Arrigo Boito worked on his final operatic masterpiece for over 60 years. He published the text, which was hailed as a literary masterpiece, well before the score was even close to completion. He failed to complete the music, and friends of his, Vincenzo Tommasini and Antonio Smareglia prepared the score for production after his death, with the help of Arturo Toscanini. The drama is lengthy, involved, and highly poetic, making use of psychological drama and stark contrasts. Rich and unusual harmonies color the music of the Romans, led by Nero and Simon the Paraclete, while simple diatonicism gives the music of the Christians clarity, direction, and lightness. The opera contains many dramatic moments, such as the opening, when haunting canonic entrances of shades from the dead torment Nero, and accuse him of the murder of his mother, while he turns for succor to Simon. Act II opens with an extensive and dramatic temple scene which begins the act with mystery and supernatural elements, only to lead to violence, and exhibitions of Nero's madness. The temple music is a majestic passacaglia, with variations and interludes and a repeating bass which binds the music of the act together. The opera premiered at the Teatro alla Scala on May 1, 1924, in Milan.

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