Operas

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Rodelinda in 2008

Handel composed Rodelinda in 1725, when he was forty years old. Immediately before it he had written Giulio Cesare and Tamerlano, both of which are still among his most performed. If you have never heard a Handel opera, any of these represents a fine introduction.

The Portland Opera Company performed Rodelinda in February. I was there on opening night and enjoyed the music greatly, though illness caused two of the cast to be replaced with their understudies. Still, in spite of some difficulties, the story and music were very compelling, from Rodelinda's opening laments to the farewell duet between her and Bertarido.

The cast for the three-act opera was as follows:

The story begins in the court of Milan. Rodelinda is lamenting the loss of her husband, who has been defeated in battle and is presumed dead. She fears greatly for her son, the young prince Flavio. The usurper Grimoaldo declares his love for her but she rejects his advances. (He had formerly sought after Eduige, who he now dismisses with scorn.) Frustrated by her faithfulness, Grimoaldo seeks advice from Garibaldo, who promises to help him, but who is really making his own play for the throne.

Meanwhile, we learn that the rightful king Bertarido is alive and in hiding, attended by his faithful servant Unulfo. Unable to reveal his identity, he is forced to watch as Garibaldo threatens Rodelinda that her son will die if she refuses the hand of Grimoaldo. Rodelinda reluctantly agrees (though she promises she will have Garibaldo's head), and Bertarido feels betrayed by this seeming capitulation.

However, when Grimoaldo comes to claim Rodelinda's hand, she states her own ultimatum. That if he wishes to marry her, he must personally murder her son Flavio before her eyes and complete the coup that he started. By reversing their threat, she humiliates him and he backs down. Grimoaldo, though a usurper, is not a heartless tyrant.

Rodelinda proves herself to be more clever and loyal than Bertarido had thought, and when word of the incident arrives he regrets his jealousy. Revealing himself to her, he asks her to forgive his distrust. However, the reunion is short-lived, as the two are interrupted and apprehended. Grimoaldo, mainly upon the advice of the evil Garibaldo, orders Bertarido to be imprisoned and executed.

Fortunately, Eduige and Unulfo help Bertarido to escape from his cell, though Rodelinda finds hims gone, and fears he has already been killed. Grimoaldo, torn between love and guilt, and suffering under the general burdens of kingship, seeks respite from his cares. He falls asleep, and the traitor Garibaldo steals upon him with the intent of murdering him and claiming the throne. However, Bertarido intervenes and saves the king, revenging himself upon Garibaldo in the process.

Grimoaldo, in gratitude, and in realization of Bertarido's true merits, relinquishes the throne. He embraces the love of Eduige, and they both forgive each other. Rodelinda and Bertarido, together at last, have their son and kingdom restored to them. The opera ends with general celebration.