Exceptional soloists will take up the baton in Versailles, following on from the London premiere in 1735, engaging the musicians of the Royal Opera Orchestra in a rich palette of colours, effects and meaning.
Considered Handel's most perfect opera, Ariodante features some of the most famous arias in the Baroque repertoire. Inspired by Ariosto's Orlando Furioso, the libretto plunges us into medieval Scotland, where the love affair between the knight Ariodante and Ginevra is thwarted by the machinations of the sinister Polinesso. But a final twist will save the hero from despair and blindness, in an unexpected happy ending...
Stefan Plewniak restores the eloquence and vitality to this work, written with particular care by Handel. The composer needed to ensure the recognition of London audiences, despite competition from a new company that had taken his stars... This attention to the vocal parts – with extremely demanding arias – is also reflected in the orchestra, whose virtuosity dazzled listeners.
Stefan Plewniak restores the eloquence and vitality to this work, written with particular care by Handel. The composer needed to ensure the recognition of London audiences, despite competition from a new company that had taken his stars... This attention to the vocal parts – with extremely demanding arias – is also reflected in the orchestra, whose virtuosity dazzled listeners.
