Ariodante

Ariodante is an opera in three acts by George Frideric Handel. The libretto, based on Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto, is adapted from an earlier Italian libretto by Antonio Salvi, Ginevra, principessa di Scozia. The opera premiered on 8 January 1735 at the Covent Garden Theatre in London.

Synopsis: The opera tells a story of love, betrayal, and mistaken identity in the Scottish court. Ariodante, a valiant knight, is engaged to Ginevra, the daughter of the King. Polinesso, Duke of Albany, desires Ginevra for himself and plots to destroy Ariodante’s reputation and Ginevra's honor. He employs Dalinda, Ginevra's attendant, to assist him. Through deceit and manipulation, Polinesso creates the illusion that Ginevra is unfaithful to Ariodante, causing Ariodante to believe in her betrayal and attempt suicide. The truth is eventually revealed, Polinesso is defeated, and Ariodante and Ginevra are reunited.

Principal Characters:

• Ariodante: A knight and lover of Ginevra, sung by a castrato or mezzo-soprano.
• Ginevra: The daughter of the King of Scotland and betrothed to Ariodante, usually sung by a soprano.
• Polinesso: Duke of Albany and the villain of the opera, usually sung by a bass.
• Dalinda: Ginevra’s attendant, manipulated by Polinesso, usually sung by a soprano.
• Lurcanio: Ariodante’s brother, usually sung by a tenor.
• The King of Scotland: Ginevra’s father, usually sung by a bass.

Musical Highlights: The opera is known for its beautiful arias and dramatic ensemble pieces. Notable arias include Ariodante's "Scherza infida in grembo al drudo," Ginevra's "Io ti bacio," and Polinesso's "Se l'inganno sorride."

Performance History: Ariodante was initially successful but fell into obscurity after Handel’s death. It was revived in the 20th century and is now a popular work in the baroque opera repertoire.