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Alcina (Acts 1 and 2)

Episode 1 of 2

Jonathan Swain presents Acts 1 and 2 of Alcina, regarded as possibly Handel's greatest opera. Starring Arleen Auger (soprano) and Della Jones (mezzo-soprano).

Jonathan Swain presents the first two acts of Alcina, regarded as possibly Handel's greatest opera. Arleen Auger stars as Alcina in this well-loved recording, now over 20 years old and still among the best of all Handel opera discs.

Alcina is a sorceress who lures men to her enchanted island - then turns them into rocks, trees or animals when she grows tired of them. Her latest victim is Ruggiero - but his betrothed, Bradamante, won't give him up without a fight.

Including contributions from director James Conway and novelist Donna Leon.

Handel: Alcina (Acts 1 and 2)

Alcina ...... Arleen Auger (soprano)
Ruggiero ...... Della Jones (mezzo-soprano)
Morgana, Alcina's sister ...... Eiddwen Harrhy (soprano)
Bradamante ...... Kathleen Kuhlmann (contralto)
Oberto ...... Patrizia Kwella (soprano)
Oronte ...... Maldwyn Davies (tenor)
Melisso ...... John Tomlinson (bass)
Opera Stage Chorus
City of London Baroque Sinfonia
Richard Hickox (conductor).

2 hours, 58 minutes

Last on

Thu 15 Oct 2009 14:02

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  • Thu 15 Oct 2009 14:02