“Rodelinda” by William Christie

I watched Handel’s “Rodelinda” conducted by William Christie.

This must be one of the best operas written by Handel. And I absolutely adore this production.  William Christie’s orchestration is tight and much refined in this production than when he conducted “Gulio Cesare’.

Anna Catarina Antonacci who sung the title role of Rodelinda has out of worldly beautiful soprano voice with the texture of elegant cool shade. She has such mature cool elegance in both her singing and looks. Her singing is so wonderful in this production.

The world’s most famous countertenor, Andreas Scholl is also amazing as much as when he sung in “Gulio Cesare”. His voice is so pure, beautiful and warm. His singing is technically impressive and has such concentrative intensity. I can listen to his and Anna’s singings forever.

Usually spot light don’t shine often on tenor roles in Baroque operas. But semi-bad guy role of Grimoaldo has very interesting character development throughout the opera. And Kurt Strait who sung and played this role was very good in both singing and acting. He had passion in this role, which moved the audience.  

Another countertenor, Artur Stefanowicz as Unulfo also sung wonderfully. Mezzo-soprano, Louise Winter as Eduige was very good also. Her acting was comical. The only singer I thought weak was baritone, Umberto Chiummo as Garibaldo. This is bad guy role. They should’ve used another baritone or bass singer with stronger and/or lower voice for this role.

This production was set in 30’s, which matched the mature voice sounds and looks of all the singers. All the stage setting, costumes, make-up and acting were highly stylized in the 30’s fashion and they’re very tastily done. It’s like watching old Hollywood films. Specially Anna’s acting was over the top just like actresses in these old movies and yet, it fit her movie star looks and her acting looked so natural and heart-felt on the stage.

"Lo t'abraaccio" (Anna Catarina Antonacci & Andreas Scholl)

“Dove sei, amato bene?” (Andreas Scholl)

“Vivi tiranno” (Andreas Scholl)

“Ho perduto il caro sposo” (Anna Catarina Antonacci)

“L’empio rigor del fato” (Anna Catarina Antonacci)

“Pastorello d’un povero armento” (Kurt Strait)

“Io gia t’amai” (Kurt Strait)

“Lo faro; diro: spietato” (Louise Winter)