Ariodante
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''Ariodante'' ( HWV 33) is an
opera seria ''Opera seria'' (; plural: ''opere serie''; usually called ''dramma per musica'' or ''melodramma serio'') is an Italian musical term which refers to the noble and "serious" style of Italian opera that predominated in Europe from the 1710s to abou ...
in three acts by
George Frideric Handel George Frideric (or Frederick) Handel ( ; baptised , ; 23 February 1685 – 14 April 1759) was a German-British Baroque composer well-known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi, and organ concerti. Born in Halle, Germany, H ...
. The anonymous Italian
libretto A libretto (From the Italian word , ) is the text used in, or intended for, an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, masque, oratorio, cantata or Musical theatre, musical. The term ''libretto'' is also sometimes used to refer to th ...
was based on a work by Antonio Salvi, which in turn was adapted from Canti 4, 5 and 6 of
Ludovico Ariosto Ludovico Ariosto (, ; ; 8 September 1474 – 6 July 1533) was an Italian poet. He is best known as the author of the romance epic '' Orlando Furioso'' (1516). The poem, a continuation of Matteo Maria Boiardo's ''Orlando Innamorato'', describ ...
's ''
Orlando Furioso ''Orlando furioso'' (; ''The Frenzy of Orlando'') is an Italian epic poem by Ludovico Ariosto which has exerted a wide influence on later culture. The earliest version appeared in 1516, although the poem was not published in its complete form ...
''. Each act contains opportunities for dance, originally composed for dancer
Marie Sallé Marie Sallé (1707–1756) was a French dancer and choreographer in the 18th century known for her expressive, dramatic performances rather than a series of "leaps and frolics" typical of ballet of her time. Biography Marie Sallé was a promine ...
and her company. The opera was first performed in the
Covent Garden Theatre The Royal Opera House (ROH) is a theatre in Covent Garden, central London. The building is often referred to as simply Covent Garden, after a previous use of the site. The ROH is the main home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orch ...
, London, on 8 January 1735. ''Ariodante'' opened Handel's first season at Covent Garden and successfully competed against the rival Opera of the Nobility, supported by the
Prince of Wales Prince of Wales (, ; ) is a title traditionally given to the male heir apparent to the History of the English monarchy, English, and later, the British throne. The title originated with the Welsh rulers of Kingdom of Gwynedd, Gwynedd who, from ...
. Handel had the tacit and financial support of the King and Queen and, more vocally, of the
Princess Royal Princess Royal is a substantive title, title customarily (but not automatically) awarded by British monarchs to their eldest daughters. Although purely honorary, it is the highest honour that may be given to a female member of the royal famil ...
. The opera received 11 performances during its premiere season at Covent Garden. Like Handel's other works in the ''opera seria'' genre, ''Ariodante'', despite its initial success, fell into oblivion for nearly two hundred years. An edition of the score was published in the early 1960s, from the
Hallische Händel-Ausgabe The ''Hallische Händel-Ausgabe'' ("Halle Handel Edition") is a multi-volume collection of the works of George Frideric Handel. It was first published in the 1950s: initially as an adjunct to the Händel-Gesellschaft, HG edition, but by 1958 as ...
. In the 1970s, the work began to be revived, and has come to be considered one of Handel's finest operas. On 29 March 1971, the Handel Society of New York performed the American premiere of the work in a concert version with
mezzo-soprano A mezzo-soprano (, ), or mezzo ( ), is a type of classical music, classical female singing human voice, voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. The mezzo-soprano's vocal range usually extends from the A bel ...
Sophia Steffan in the title role and
Judith Raskin Judith Raskin (June 21, 1928 – December 21, 1984) was an American lyric soprano, renowned for her fine voice as well as her acting. Life and work Raskin was born in New York to Harry A. Raskin, a high school music teacher, and Lillian Raskin, a ...
as Ginevra. Charles Cudworth has discussed the influence of French dance music in the opera.
Winton Dean Winton Basil Dean (18 March 1916 – 19 December 2013) was an English musicologist of the 20th century, most famous for his research on the life and works—in particular the operas and oratorios—of George Frideric Handel, as detailed in his bo ...
has noted that Act 2 of the opera, in its original version, is the only act in a Handel opera which ends with accompanied recitative. Dean, Winton, "Record Reviews: ''Ariodante''" (January 1981). ''
The Musical Times ''The Musical Times'' was an academic journal of classical music edited and produced in the United Kingdom. It was originally created by Joseph Mainzer in 1842 as ''Mainzer's Musical Times and Singing Circular'', but in 1844 he sold it to Alfr ...
'', 122 (1655): pp. 33–34.


Background

The German-born Handel had brought Italian opera to London stages for the first time in 1711 with his opera '' Rinaldo''. An enormous success, ''Rinaldo'' created a craze in London for Italian
opera seria ''Opera seria'' (; plural: ''opere serie''; usually called ''dramma per musica'' or ''melodramma serio'') is an Italian musical term which refers to the noble and "serious" style of Italian opera that predominated in Europe from the 1710s to abou ...
, a form focused overwhelmingly on solo arias for the star virtuoso singers. Handel had presented new operas in London for years with great success. One of the major attractions in Handel's operas was the star castrato Senesino whose relationship with the composer was often stormy and who eventually left Handel's company to appear with the rival Opera of the Nobility, set up in 1733. Handel moved to another theatre,
Covent Garden Covent Garden is a district in London, on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St Martin's Lane and Drury Lane. It is associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist sit ...
, and engaged different singers. The new theatre at Covent Garden, run by impresario John Rich, added the attraction of a troupe of dancers led by the celebrated Marie Sallé, so Handel's two new operas for 1735, "Ariodante" and "
Alcina ''Alcina'' (Händel-Werke-Verzeichnis, HWV 34) is a 1735 opera by George Frideric Handel. Handel used the libretto of ''L'isola di Alcina'', a work set to music in 1728 in Rome by Riccardo Broschi, which he had acquired a year later during his t ...
" both include dance sequences, for the first time in Handel opera for London. The singers for whom Handel wrote "Ariodante" included a young soprano, Cecilia Young, whom he had not worked with before, considered by contemporary musicologist
Charles Burney Charles Burney (7 April 1726 – 12 April 1814) was an English music historian, composer and musician. He was the father of the writers Frances Burney and Sarah Burney, of the explorer James Burney, and of Charles Burney, a classicis ...
to be the finest English soprano of the day, and the virtuoso
castrato A castrato (Italian; : castrati) is a male singer who underwent castration before puberty in order to retain a singing voice equivalent to that of a soprano, mezzo-soprano, or contralto. The voice can also occur in one who, due to an endocrino ...
Carestini, whose astonishing technique and huge vocal range Handel made full use of, especially in the ''scena'' "E vivo ancora? E senza il ferro? oh Dei! ... Scherza infida in grembo al drudo" and in the jubilant and bravura "Dopo notte, atra e funesta".


Roles


Synopsis

Medieval Scotland. Ginevra, daughter of the King, is in love with and betrothed to Prince Ariodante. She rejects the amorous advances of the Duke of Albany, Polinesso, who then cruelly tricks Ariodante and Ginevra's father into believing that Ginevra has been unfaithful. Ariodante attempts suicide and Ginevra is condemned, but after a challenge to a duel by Lurcanio, Ariodante's brother, the dying Polinesso admits his plot and the lovers are reunited.


Act 1

''The royal cabinet, in the palace'' Princess Ginevra, in front of her mirror, is adorning herself to make herself beautiful for her beloved. (Aria:''Vezze, lusinghe''). Polinesso, Duke of Albany, bursts into the room and, thinking that having the king's daughter as his sweetheart would advance his prospects, declares his love for her. Ginevra indignantly rejects him (Aria:''Orrida a gl'occhi miei'') and leaves. Dalinda, who is secretly in love with Polinesso, advises him that his rival is Prince Ariodante but also advises him that all he has to do is open his eyes to see someone else who loves him (Aria:''Apri le luci''). Left alone, Polinesso can see that Dalinda is in love with him and plans to use her to thwart his rival and win Ginevra for himself (Aria: ''Coperta la frode''). ''The royal gardens'' Ariodante sings of how all nature speaks to him of love (Aria:''Quì d'amor''). Ginevra joins him and they pledge their love (Duet: ''Prendi, prendi da questa mano''). The King joins the lovers, gives them his blessing, and orders his courtier Odoardo to make the preparations for the wedding (Aria: ''Voli colla sua tromba''). Alone, Ariodante swears to be faithful to Ginevra (Aria:''Con l'ali di costanza''). Polinesso hatches his plot – he tells Dalinda that if she will dress as Ginevra that evening and invite him into her apartments, he will be hers (Aria:''Spero per voi''). Lurcanio, Ariodante's brother, then appears to Dalinda and declares his love for her (Aria:''Del mio sol vezzosi rai'') but she has totally lost her heart to Polinesso (Aria:''Il primo ardor''). ''A delightful valley'' Ariodante and Ginevra enjoy the beauties of nature and each other's company (Duet: ''Se rinasce nel mio cor''). They are joined by shepherds and shepherdesses (Duet with chorus:''Si godete al vostro amor'') who dance to entertain them (Ballet).


Act 2

''By ancient ruins, within sight of Ginevra's apartments; moonlight'' Polinesso and Ariodante meet; Polinesso feigns astonishment when Ariodante tells him he is betrothed to Ginevra, insisting that Ginevra loves him. Ariodante refuses to believe it. This is all being observed by Lurcanio, who is hidden. Polinesso tells Ariodante to watch as "Ginevra", really Dalinda wearing Ginevra's clothes, admits Polinesso into her bedroom for the night. Ariodante is in despair and wants to die (Aria:''Tu preparati a morire'') but Lurcanio comes from the shadows and advises Ariodante to live, and seek revenge (Aria:''Tu vivi''). Ariodante sadly bewails his beloved's (supposed) infidelity (Aria:''Scherza infida''). As day breaks, Polinesso and Dalinda emerge from the palace. Polinesso promises he will reward her, to her delight (Aria:''Se tanto piace al cor'') and, alone, Polinesso exults in how well his plot is proceeding (Aria:''Se l'inganno''). ''A gallery in the palace'' As the King is making the final arrangements for his daughter's wedding, the courtier Odoardo brings him bad news – Ariodante has been seen committing suicide by leaping into the sea. The King is heartbroken (Aria:''Invida sorte avara''). Ginevra appears, having a premonition of some approaching calamity (Aria:''Mi palpita il core''). When her father gives her the terrible news, she swoons and is carried away. Lurcanio now appears before the King, who attempts to comfort him on the loss of his brother. The furious Lurcanio, however, hands the King a letter telling him he saw Ginevra admit Polinesso into her bedroom for the night, which caused his brother to kill himself, and Lurcanio now is bent on revenge (Aria:''Il tuo sangue''). The King disowns his daughter and condemns her as a harlot. When Ginevra hears this, she collapses into delirium (Aria:''Il mio crudel martoro'') and all Dalinda's attempts to console her fail. Ginevra falls into a fitful, disturbed sleep (Ballet of Good and Bad Dreams). She awakes in distress (Recitativo accompagnato:''Che vidi? oh Dei! misera me!'')


Act 3

''A wood near the sea'' Ariodante survived, and he now bitterly rebukes the gods for condemning him to live (Arioso:''Numi! lasciarmi vivere''). Hearing cries, Ariodante finds Dalinda, who is being held by thugs hired by Polinesso, with orders to kill her, as she is the only witness to his plot to discredit Ginevra. Ariodante drives Polinesso's henchmen away, and Dalinda reveals the truth to him – it was she, disguised as Ginevra, who let Polinesso into her bedroom. Ariodante rails against the treachery that caused him to doubt his beloved (Aria:''Cieca notte''). Alone, Dalinda expresses her remorse (Aria:''Neghittosi or voi che fate?''). ''The royal gardens'' The King announces that he will never see his daughter again unless a champion appears to defend her honour. Polinesso steps forward and offers to challenge Lurcanio to a duel (Aria:''Dover, giustizia, amor''). Ginevra, condemned to death for sexual irregularity, appears before her father begging to be allowed to kiss his hand (Aria:''Io ti bacio''). Her father clasps her to her bosom, saying that a champion has appeared to defend her – Polinesso. She does not like this idea, but he insists (Aria:''Al sen ti stringo e parto''). Ginevra prefers death to the loss of her honour (Aria:''Sì, morrò''). Lurcanio again offers his love to Dalinda, and she indicates that she is now inclined to accept it (Duet:'' Dite spera, e son contento''). ''The duelling ground, the King on his throne'' Polinesso and Lurcanio fight, Lurcanio mortally wounds Polinesso who is carried away by Odaordo. A new champion appears with his visor down. He reveals himself as Ariodante, to the astonishment of all, and declares Ginevra innocent. Dalinda admits her part in the plot. Odoardo returns with the news that Polinesso, as he died, also admitted his guilt. The King pardons Dalinda and goes to find his daughter. Ariodante jubilantly hails a new bright day dawning after nights of darkness (Aria:''Dopo notte''). ''The room where Ginevra is imprisoned'' Ginevra looks death in the face (Arioso:''Manca, oh Dei!''). But her father and the others appear and declare her vindicated. She is reunited with her beloved Ariodante (Duet:''Bramo aver mille vite''). ''The great hall of the palace. A large staircase supported by columns; on the upper part of the stairs musicians playing wind instruments. The King, Lords and Ladies descend the staircase. He begins the chorus, as the Lords and Ladies dance.'' ''Ogn'uno acclami bella virtute'' (Chorus) ... Ballo (Gavotte—Rondeau—Bourrée) ... ''Sa trionfar ognor virtute in ogni cor'' (Chorus).


Musical features

The music for the leading soprano, Ginevra, is "outstanding", according to Paul Henry Lang, moving from joy to despair and back again to happiness. Also of note is the "exquisite" duet for her with Ariodante, "Prendi, prendi da questa mano" and the beautiful pastoral music that concludes the first act. Among a series of remarkable arias for the title role, sung in the first performance by the castrato Carestini, are the mournful aria with
bassoon The bassoon is a musical instrument in the woodwind family, which plays in the tenor and bass ranges. It is composed of six pieces, and is usually made of wood. It is known for its distinctive tone color, wide range, versatility, and virtuosity ...
obbligato In Western classical music, ''obbligato'' (, also spelled ''obligato'') usually describes a musical line that is in some way indispensable in performance. Its opposite is the marking '' ad libitum''. It can also be used, more specifically, to ind ...
"Scherza infida", "one of Handel's greatest arias" and the joyful "Dopo notte" with astonishing vocal acrobatics and huge range. For
Charles Burney Charles Burney (7 April 1726 – 12 April 1814) was an English music historian, composer and musician. He was the father of the writers Frances Burney and Sarah Burney, of the explorer James Burney, and of Charles Burney, a classicis ...
, the opera "abounds with beauties and the strokes of a great master."


Reception and performance history

''Ariodante'' was given eleven performances in its original run, a mark of success for the time, and was revived by Handel for his 1736 season. It then went unperformed until a revival in
Stuttgart Stuttgart (; ; Swabian German, Swabian: ; Alemannic German, Alemannic: ; Italian language, Italian: ; ) is the capital city, capital and List of cities in Baden-Württemberg by population, largest city of the States of Germany, German state of ...
in 1926. Two performances in
Birmingham Birmingham ( ) is a City status in the United Kingdom, city and metropolitan borough in the metropolitan county of West Midlands (county), West Midlands, within the wider West Midlands (region), West Midlands region, in England. It is the Lis ...
, England, in May 1964, with Janet Baker in the title role and
Anthony Lewis Joseph Anthony Lewis (March 27, 1927 – March 25, 2013) was an American public intellectual and journalist. He was a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize and was a columnist for ''The New York Times''. He is credited with creating the field o ...
conducting, brought the opera into the modern repertory, since when it has been performed on many of the world's stages. Among other performances, a four-way co-production between the
Festival d'Aix-en-Provence The Festival d'Aix-en-Provence is an annual international music festival which takes place each summer in Aix-en-Provence, principally in July. Devoted mainly to opera, it also includes concerts of orchestral, chamber, vocal and solo instrumenta ...
, the
Canadian Opera Company The Canadian Opera Company (COC) is an opera company in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest opera company in Canada and one of the largest producers of opera in North America. The COC performs at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performin ...
,
Dutch National Opera The Dutch National Opera (DNO; formerly De Nederlandse Opera, now De Nationale Opera in Dutch) is a Dutch opera company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its present home base is the Dutch National Opera & Ballet housed in the Stopera building, a m ...
in Amsterdam, and
Lyric Opera of Chicago Lyric Opera of Chicago is an American opera company based in Chicago, Illinois. The company was founded in Chicago in 1954, under the name 'Lyric Theatre of Chicago' by Carol Fox (Chicago opera), Carol Fox, Nicola Rescigno and Lawrence Kelly, w ...
premiered at Aix in 2014. This updated the setting to the 1960s and altered the ending so that Ginevra departs the celebration, heartbroken. The English Concert gave semi-staged performances in 2017 in the U.S. and Europe, including at
Carnegie Hall Carnegie Hall ( ) is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is at 881 Seventh Avenue (Manhattan), Seventh Avenue, occupying the east side of Seventh Avenue between 56th Street (Manhattan), 56th and 57th Street (Manhattan), 57t ...
, where the event was filmed, and at the
Barbican Centre The Barbican Centre is a performing arts centre in the Barbican Estate of the City of London, England, and the largest of its kind in Europe. The centre hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings a ...
. The
Salzburg Whitsun Festival The Salzburg Whitsun Festival (), at times branded as Whitsun+Baroque () or Salzburg Festival Whitsun (), is a classical music and opera festival held every year in Salzburg, Austria over Pentecost (Whitsun) weekend in late May or early June. ...
presented a new production by Christof Loy on 2 June 2017 featuring
Cecilia Bartoli Cecilia Bartoli Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, OMRI (; born 4 June 1966) is an Italian mezzo-soprano widely known in the music of Vincenzo Bellini, Bellini, George Frideric Handel, Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Mozart, Gioachino Ross ...
as Ariodante, Kathryn Lewek as Ginevra,
Sandrine Piau Sandrine Piau (born 5 June 1965) is a French soprano. She is particularly renowned in Baroque music although also excels in Romantic and modernist art songs. She has the versatility to perform works from Vivaldi, Handel, Mozart to Schumann, Deb ...
as Dalinda, Christophe Dumaux as Polinesso, Rolando Villazón as Lurcanio and Nathan Berg as the King.


Audio recordings


Video recordings


References


Notes


Sources

* The second of the two-volume definitive reference on the operas of Handel.


External links


Score
of ''Ariodante'' (ed. Friedrich Chrysander, Leipzig 1881) *
Italian libretto online
*,
San Diego Opera The San Diego Opera (SDO) is a professional opera company based in San Diego, California. The opera performs at the San Diego Civic Theatre. The San Diego Symphony serves as the orchestra for the opera. History San Diego Opera Guild was founded ...
Spotlight, University of California Television presentation
Scherza Infida
describes that aria in more detail, including the libretto. {{Authority control Matter of France Operas by George Frideric Handel Italian-language operas 1735 operas Operas Operas based on works by Ludovico Ariosto Operas set in Scotland Opera world premieres at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden