Music January 2005
Opera note
On Handel’s Rodelinda at the Metropolitan Opera, New York.
Handel's Rodelinda
at the Metropolitan Opera, New York.
Handels Rodelinda (1725) has always been one of his most famous operas, with much magnificent music. When it was performed in Gottingen in 1920, it marked the beginning of the Handel opera revival. The opera centers on the abandoned queen Rodelinda (whose defeated husband has fled and is presumed dead), and who is laid siege to by the usurping king. Her steadfastness in protecting herself and her young sonthrough tribulation and through six superior arias of contrasting emotional statesis rewarded when her husband returns and, after a procession of plot devices, regains his throne. All ends happily, with the double-dyed villain (not the usurping king, but his henchman) dead and the usurper repenting his misdeeds.
Nicola Hayms librettoessentially a string of ABA arias with one lovely duet...
A Message from the Editors
Support our crucial work and join us in strengthening the bonds of civilization.
Your donation sustains our efforts to inspire joyous rediscoveries.