Ariodante

George Frideric Handel's Ariodante is a three act opera seria which was first performed at the Covent Garden Theatre in London, UK on 8 January 1735, opening the composer's first season there. It was initially successful but then neglected for almost two hundred years, until an edition of the score was produced in the 1960s. Now it's considered by many to be one of Handel's finest operas.

Set in medieval Scotland, Ginevra, the King's daughter, is about to marry Prince Ariodante. She rejects Polinesso, the Duke of Albany's advances, but Polinesso falsifies evidence to make Ariodante and Ginevra's father believe that Ginevra has been unfaithful. Ariodante attempts to commit suicide and Ginevra is condemned. Ariodante's brother Lurcanio challenges Polinesso to a duel. Polinesso loses, and as he dies, tells the truth about his trick, and Ginevra and Ariodante are reunited.

A selection of articles about Ariodante

Ensemble. A Connolly Smorgasbord - A selection of performances by Sarah Connolly, as part of the Buxton International Festival Digital 2020 Season, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Baroque Fight for Love and Power - Handel's 'Ariodante' at Salzburg, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. An Enthralling Performance - Robert Hugill reviews Handel's 'Flavio'

Making a Real Fuss - Robert Hugill looks forward to English Touring Opera's HandelFest this autumn

Ensemble. Imaginatively Programmed - Handel arias from the Classical Opera Company, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Full of Delights - Handel's 'Parnasso in Festa', recommended by Robert Hugill. '... some truly superb Handel singing (and playing) ...'

Ensemble. Gripping Stuff - Handel's 'Ariodante' at English National Opera, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

 

 

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