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Handel: Rodelinda, Acts 1 and 2

Louise Fryer presents Acts 1 and 2 of Handel's Rodelinda, a rare opera about married - rather than illicit - love. And St Petersburg Conservatory: Shostakovich: String Quartet No 5.

Handel Operas 2009

As part of 成人快手 Radio 3's complete cycle of Handel operas, Louise Fryer presents a performance of Rodelinda, a rare opera about married - rather than illicit - love.

It has parallels with Beethoven's Fidelio, as a faithful wife fights to save her beloved husband. At first, Rodelinda even thinks her Bertarido is dead - he is the rightful King of Lombardy, driven from his throne by the usurper Grimoaldo. Their struggle to find each other and overcome the tyrant is dramatised in arguably some of Handel's most beautiful music.

Including contributions from novelist Donna Leon, a particular enthusiast for the opera, who has a special role in this performance.

Handel: Rodelinda (Acts 1 and 2)

Rodelinda ...... Simone Kermes (soprano)
Bertarido ...... Marijana Mijanovic (contralto)
Grimoaldo ...... Steve Davislim (tenor)
Eduige, Bertarido's sister ...... Sonia Prina (contralto)
Unulfo, Bertarido's lieutenant ...... Marie-Nicole Lemieux (contralto)
Garibaldo, a nasty piece of work ...... Vito Priante (baritone)
Il Complesso Barocco
Alan Curtis (conductor)

4.10pm St Petersburg Conservatory

Shostakovich: String Quartet No 5 in B flat, Op 92
Atrium Quartet.

2 minutes

Broadcast

  • Thu 30 Apr 2009 14:00