[Language: Italian]

Rinaldo is an opera by George Frideric Handel, composed in 1711, and was the first Italian language opera written specifically for the London stage. The libretto was prepared by Giacomo Rossi from a scenario provided by Aaron Hill, and the work was first performed at the Queen's Theatre in London's Haymarket on 24 February 1711. The story of love, war and redemption, set at the time of the First Crusade, is loosely based on Torquato Tasso's epic poem Gerusalemme liberata ("Jerusalem Delivered"), and its staging involved many original and vivid effects. It was a great success with the public, despite negative reactions from literary critics hostile to the contemporary trend towards Italian entertainment in English theatres.

The story introduces General Goffredo and the mighty knight Rinaldo, who are at war with Argante, the blustering king of Jerusalem, and his mistress, the wicked enchantress Armida. Goffredo promises that his daughter Almirena will marry Rinaldo once they achieve victory. But when Armida kidnaps Almirena, our heroes embark on a quest to find a magician who will help them rescue Almirena and defeat Armida and her minions.

When Armida’s formidable magic lures Rinaldo into her clutches, she becomes so enamoured of the handsome knight that she tries to seduce him by transforming herself into Almirena. Meanwhile, Argante is overcome with pity and love for the captive, grieving Almirena. Eventually, with the power of magic, everything sorts itself out. Goffredo and Rinaldo defeat their enemies, and the lovers are reunited.

Generally, the original 1711 version is performed. However, in Peralada it was decided to do the revised version of 1731, which does not offer much change from the original in terms of arias, although there are some cuts and additions; the most important difference is the change of tessitura and, therefore, of singers in some of the roles. And so, Argante goes from bass-baritone to mezzo-soprano, while Goffredo is now played by a tenor rather than a countertenor or a mezzo-soprano; the character of Eustazio simply disappears.

The production it’s a concert version in which, happily, the singers do not use scores. The stage direction is by Xavier Sábata. Dani Espasa conducted from the keyboard, and he offered an excellent reading, with strong support for the soloists. Rinaldo was sung by countertenor Xavier Sábata, a convincing singer, easy in agilities and always expressive. Nuria Rial played the part of Almirena, her voice is attractive and well-managed, and she was outstanding in the always much-anticipated aria, ‘Lascia ch’io pianga’.

Mary-Ellen Nesi, a true Baroque specialist, played Armida and the performance by tenor Juan Sancho as Goffredo was also impressive. Mezzo-soprano Hillary Summers sang the part of Argante and Josep-Ramón Olivé played the part of the magician.

Direction: Xavier Sábata (Director), Dani Espasa (Music Conductor)
Cast: Rinaldo (Xavier Sábata), Armida (Mary-Ellen Nesi), Argante (Hillary Summers), Almirena (Nuria Rial), Goffredo (Juan Sancho), Magician (Josep), Ramon Olivé, Vespres D’Arnadí