AT THE OPERA
Myths, legends and fantasy, Part 2
Prepared by Elaine Siversen
With Jules Laurent

Handel, G. Alcina, HWV34. Opera in three acts. Anonymous libretto after Ludovico Ariosto’s epic poem Orlando Furioso used by Riccardo Broschi for his 1728 opera L’isola di Alcina. First performed London, 1735.   

Handel, G. Alcina, Overture & Act I   
[49:43]

Handel, G. Alcina, Act II   
[59:33]

Handel, G. Alcina, Act III   
[42:40]

   BRADAMANTE: Norma Procter, cont
MELISSO: Thomas Hemsley, bar
ALCINA: Joan Sutherland, sop
RUGGIERO: Fritz Wunderlich, ten
MORGANA: Jeannette van Dijck, sop
ORONTE: Nicola Monti, ten
Cologne Radio Choir; Cappella Coloniensis/Ferdinand Leitner.Total Time: 2:31:56
DG 477 8017

   Bradamante, disguised as her brother, Ricciardo, with her tutor, Melisso, have been shipwrecked and cast ashore on Alcina’s enchanted island. Bradamante is searching for her betrothed, Ruggiero. They meet Morgana, Alcina's sister, who falls in love with the disguised Bradamante. She takes them to Alcina where Ruggiero is present. Later Bradamante confronts him. He recognises her as Ricciardo but denies any interest in Ricciardo's sister because he is the faithful lover of Alcina.
Oronte, Alcina's commander-in-chief, who loves Morgana, is jealous of ‘Ricciardo’ and decides to make Ruggiero jealous too. He concocts a tale that Alcina now loves ‘Ricciardo’ and will no doubt soon add Ruggiero to her collection of discarded lovers now transformes into monsters. Alcina assures Ruggiero that her feelings are unchanged.
Melisso, disguised as Ruggiero's tutor, Atlante, gives him a magic ring which brings him to his senses. Ruggiero wishes to send a message of defiance to Alcina, but Melisso advises him to pretend that he still loves her and to make his escape. When Alcina is told that Ruggiero is planning to flee, she begins to make spells to bind Ruggiero to her but cannot overcome her feelings for him.
Other travellers have been shipwrecked and have been changed into wild beasts, trees or stones by Alcina. Melisso tells Bradamante that the island is surrrounded by Alcina's enchanted monsters and advises Ruggiero to take the Gorgonian shield and the winged horse to help him conquer them. Alcina’s forces are defeated and Ruggiero smashes the urn that holds Alcina's secret power. All her spells are broken and the rocks, trees and beasts resume their human shapes. They rejoice at their liberty and all celebrate the triumph of love.

Handel, G. Da tempeste il legno infranto, from Giulio Cesare, HWV17 (1724).    Joan Sutherland, sop; Hubert Dawkes, hpd; New SO of London/Richard Bonynge.
Decca 482 4759 [05:23]

Handel, G. Let the bright seraphim, from Samson, HWV57 (1743).    Joan Sutherland, sop; Harry Dilley, tpt; Royal Opera House O, Covent Garden/Francesco Molinari Pradelli.
Decca 482 4759 [05:52]

23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
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Prepared and presented by Dan Bickel

Handel, G. Love in Bath (arr. Beecham).    Royal PO/Thomas Beecham.
EMI CDM 7 63374 2 [47:32]

Handel, G. Oboe concerto in G minor (1705).    Bart Schneeman, ob; Musica Amphion/Pieter-Jan Belder.
Channel Classics CCS SA 29209 [08:36]