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Handel: Alcina
Philippe Jaroussky as Ruggiero is in thrall to Patricia Petibon as the sorceress Alcina in Katie Mitchell’s virtuosic production of Handel’s opera from the 2015 Aix-en-Provence Festival, described by Bachtrack as “a night of a thousand delights”. Conducted by Andrea Marcon, this was, in the words of Opera News, “musically … a performance of the highest festival level”. The production of Alcina, by the British director Katie Mitchell, was welcomed by the Financial Times as “meticulously executed …, rich in detail, consummately polished”. As the New York Times wrote: “It involves a huge sorcery machine for turning people into animals (or whatever). And Ms. Mitchell works magic of her own onstage, constantly showing the enchantresses Alcina and Morgana alternating between glamorous public personas and their ‘real life’, older, private selves …There are also bits of simulated sex, mingling genders and suggesting, among other things, inventive new ways to hit high notes.”
Insights
Plot Summary
Set during a fictitious war, the sorceress Alcina has enchanted an island to lure knights to their doom, including the devoted Ruggiero. Ruggiero's lover, Bradamante, disguised as her own brother, arrives on the island to find and rescue him. As Ruggiero falls deeper under Alcina's spell, Bradamante must contend with Alcina's magic and her own jealousy to break the enchantment and reclaim Ruggiero.
Critical Reception
The 2015 production of Handel's 'Alcina' at the Bayerische Staatsoper, directed by Katharina Wagner, was generally well-received for its innovative staging and strong vocal performances, though some critics found the interpretation occasionally challenged the opera's core emotional landscape. The visual spectacle and the power of the lead singers were frequently highlighted as major strengths.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its ambitious and visually striking production design.
Recognized for powerful and technically impressive vocal performances, particularly from the lead roles.
Commentary noted the bold directorial choices, which some found compelling and others felt detracted from the opera's traditional narrative.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this particular 2015 production is not readily available. However, 'Alcina' as an opera is generally admired for its complex arias and dramatic intensity.
Awards & Accolades
None notable for this specific 2015 production.
Fun Fact
The opera 'Alcina' was Handel's first opera written specifically for London, premiering in 1735 and featuring a castrato singer in the title role, a common practice in opera seria of the period.
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