Händel: Alcina / Marc Minkowski
Les Musiciens du Louvre / Magdalena Kožená
In the clutches of a sorceress
Handel experts agree that among the 42 operas written by the »caro Sassone« (thus the Italian nickname of the prolific composer from Saxony), »Alcina« is one of the most appealing, entertaining and musically rich. The work about the seductive sorceress of the same name was already a resounding success at its premiere in 1735, and to this day it offers opera goddesses like Magdalena Kožená the opportunity to shine in the title role.
The superb Handel sound in the background is supplied by no lesser figure than Marc Minkowski, the veteran French specialist for historic performing practice. With his ensemble Musiciens du Louvre, the spirited conductor has coaxed fascinating new facets from more than one familiar work.Vocal fascination is also contributed by the Italian mezzo Anna Bonitatibus as the amorous knight Ruggiero and by her American colleague Erin Morley, who lends her lively coloratura soprano to the part of Alcina’s fickle sister Morgana. The trio of female voices is rounded off by mezzosoprano Elizabeth DeShong as Ruggiero’s disguised bride Bradamante. Handel would be delighted.
Performers
Les Musiciens du Louvre
Magdalena Kožená Alcina
Anna Bonitatibus Ruggiero
Erin Morley Morgana
Elizabeth DeShong Bradamante
Alois Mühlbacher countertenor
Valerio Contaldo Oronte
Alex Rosen Melisso
conductor Marc Minkowski
Programme
Georg Friedrich Händel
Alcina / Dramma per musica in drei Akten HWV 34
Konzertante Aufführung in italienischer Sprache
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Elbphilharmonie Subscription 3
Spotlight
Opera in Concert