Ariodante
Ariodante

Movie spotlight

Ariodante

2017
Movie
216 min
Italian

At Salzburg Festival, Cecilia Bartoli shines as Ariodante with her dazzling coloratura in a highly acclaimed new production by the German director Christoph Loy, who is known for his clever psychological stagings. Loy turns Handel's splendid baroque opera into an exciting and differentiated reflection on gender roles.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: David McVicarGenres: Opera, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Set in the Kingdom of Scotland, Duke Ariodante is deeply in love with Princess Ginevra and is betrothed to her. However, the scheming Duke Polinesso plots to ruin Ariodante and win Ginevra for himself. He manipulates events, making it appear that Ginevra is unfaithful, leading to Ariodante's despair and a staged death. The opera unfolds with themes of jealousy, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption, as Ariodante confronts his accusers and clears Ginevra's name.

Critical Reception

The 2017 Glyndebourne Festival Opera production of Handel's 'Ariodante,' directed by David McVicar and starring Alice Coote, was widely acclaimed. Critics praised the compelling vocal performances, particularly Coote's nuanced portrayal of Ariodante. McVicar's staging was lauded for its dramatic intensity and thoughtful reinterpretation of the baroque opera for a modern audience, making it a significant success for the festival.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong vocal performances, especially from Alice Coote.

  • David McVicar's direction was commended for its dramatic flair and intelligent staging.

  • The production successfully brought the emotional depth of Handel's score to life.

Google audience: Information not available.

Fun Fact

The production of 'Ariodante' at Glyndebourne in 2017 was a revival of a highly successful staging first seen in 2014, indicating its lasting critical appeal and audience reception.

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