大象传媒

One of Handel鈥檚 most successful operas when first performed in 1725, and one of his most highly regarded in recent times, Rodelinda is an involving, taut, and remarkably modern drama. Much of its power lies in the appeal of its protagonist, a realistic portrait of a woman rather than an allegorical type, and every character is driven by dramatically credible motivations and the human emotions that accompany them, all masterfully captured in Handel鈥檚 music, by turns subtle and bold.

Bertarido has been driven from his kingdom by Grimoaldo and is presumed dead, leaving behind his grieving wife, Rodelinda. Grimoaldo will imprison Rodelinda unless she agrees to marry him, thereby allowing him to seize Bertarido's throne for himself. But then the exiled king returns in disguise.

Soprano Elza van den Heever takes the title role, with countertenor Iestyn Davies as her husband Bertarido whose throne has been seized by Grimoaldo (tenor Paul Appleby), now betrothed to Bertarido's sister Eduige (mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke). Harry Bicket, a champion of the composer鈥檚 operas, takes the podium to conduct the Met鈥檚 moving production.

Presented by Debra Lew Harder with commentator Ira Siff.

Handel: Rodelinda
Rodelinda ..... Elza van den Heever (soprano)
Bertarido ..... Iestyn Davies (countertenor)
Grimoaldo ..... Paul Appleby (tenor)
Eduige ..... Sasha Cooke (mezzo-soprano)
Unulfo ..... Anthony Roth Costanzo (contertenor)
Garibaldo ..... Adam Plachetka (bass-baritone)
Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera House,
Harry Bicket, conductor

Read the full synopsis at the Met Opera website:: https://bit.ly/3J4GX1T

Image: 漏 Ken Howard / Met Opera