Ariodante (1996)

The English National Opera first mounted David Aldens production of Ariodante one of Handels greatest masterpieces in 1993 It met with unanimous critical and popular acclaim and this 1996 revival features many of the leading singers from the original production Ariodante is Handels 1735 setting of an episode from Ariosto in which the King of Scotlands daughter is treacherously accused of infidelity to her promised husband The range of feelings provoked as the characters develop is caught in music of quite extraordinary emotional power even by Handels own exalted standards