Antonio Vivaldi
Orlando furioso RV 728
Dramma per musica in tre atti
Libretto di Grazio Braccioli
Teatro San Angelo, Venezia 1727
Marie-Nicole Lemieux alto (Orlando)
Jennifer Larmore mezzo soprano (Alcina)
Veronica Cangemi soprano (Angelica)
Philippe Jaroussky alto (Ruggiero)
Lorenzo Regazzo baritono-basso (Astolfo)
Ann Hallenberg mezzo soprano (Bradamante)
Blandine Staskiewicz mezzo soprano (Medoro)
Choeur Les Éléments
Ensemble Matheus
Jean-Christophe Spinosi
After Orlando 'feigning madness' (finto pazzo ) in the most recent operatic release in the Vivaldi Edition, here we have the same paladin actually gone 'raving mad' in despair for his love! In this adaptation of the most famous episode from Ariosto's epic poem, first performed in Venice in the autumn of 1727, the composer depicts a set of astoundingly lively and individualised characters in a plot that moves at a breathless pace. This gallery of unforgettable portraits features not only Orlando himself - here no longer a baritone but a female contralto, who is given a series of astounding virtuoso arias - but also the tragic figure of the sorceress Alcina, not to mention the voluptuous Angelica, the valiant Ruggiero, and the proud female warrior Bradamante. To do full justice to this meticulously assembled cast of vocal types, it was necessary to find seven exceptional singers possessing not only considerable technical and expressive capacities, but also subtle differences in timbre and colour. This new recording rises superbly to the challenge: in the title role here we find the young alto from Quebec Marie-Nicole Lemieux, much acclaimed for her sumptuous voice and dramatic commitment, surrounded by such experienced Baroque specialists as Jennifer Larmore, Veronica Cangemi and the stunning Philippe Jaroussky, winner of the 2004 Victoires de la Musique in the 'Vocal Discovery' category. This key work by the Prete Rosso is conducted by Jean-Christophe Spinosi, the revolutionary new force in baroque opera, with his Ensemble Matheus , whose interpretation of the work has ripened over several years of stage experience, and Vivaldi's original score is here scrupulously reconstructed and recorded complete for the first time.
The Plot
The action is set on the island of the sorceress Alcina, an enchanted place of which has gained control by stealing the ashes of Merlin. Alcina has offered the hospitality of her palace to the beautiful Angelica, who is in love with Medoro but pursued by the attentions of the paladin Orlando. As the drama begins, Orlando, who was charged to destroy Alcina's power, then Medoro have just arrived on the island. Orlando discovers Angelica and Medoro together, but his jealousy quickly fades thanks to the wiles of the cunning sorceress. Angelica finishes off the work of gulling the adoring Orlando with a feigned declaration of love that in turn arouses pangs of jealousy in Medoro. Then Alcina seduces Ruggiero, Orlando's friend, by offering him a love potion to drink. Ruggiero's spouse Bradamante arrives, but Ruggiero, bewitched, does not recognise her. The spell is soon broken and Ruggiero begs in vain his beloved's forgiveness. With the help of Alcina, Angelica treacherously persuades the adoring Orlando to climb an enchanted cliff, where he finds himself imprisoned in a cavern without an exit. Meanwhile, Bradamante and Ruggiero meet up and are reconciled, whilst Angelica and Medoro hold their wedding celebration, under the protective but envious gaze of Alcina. Orlando arrives in the wood, having managed to find his way out of the enchanted cavern. Seeing the newly married couple, he becomes unhinged. Orlando discovers the statue of Merlin, which he mistakes for Angelica and he kisses it. The charm over Alcina's island is immediately broken. The defeated Alcina flees, swearing terrible vengeance, while Orlando, returning to his senses, pardons Angelica and blesses her union with Medoro.
Concerts
BELGIQUE
9/11 Bruxelles (Palais des Beaux Arts)
Vivaldi Orlando Furioso avec les interprètes du disque
FRANCE
3/10 Paris (Théâtre du Châtelet)
Récital Jennifer Larmore
7/10 Brest (Quartz)
Vivaldi avec Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Philippe Jaroussky, Lorenzo Regazzo
9/10 Ambronay (Festival)
Vivaldi La Fida Ninfa avec Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Veronica Cangemi, Philippe Jaroussky, Lorenzo Regazzo
18/10 Paris (Théâtre des Champs-Elysées)
Vivaldi La Fida Ninfa avec Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Veronica Cangemi, Philippe Jaroussky, Lorenzo Regazzo
6/11 Toulouse (Halle aux Grains)
Vivaldi Orlando Furioso avec les interprètes du disque
19 & 20/12 Lyon (Festival du Vieux Lyon) Vivaldi, Corelli
