George Frideric Handel (February 23, 1685 – April 14, 1759) composed Rinaldo, a three-act Italian medieval drama. Libretto was written by Aaron Hill and Giacomo Rossi, after episodes in Torquato Tasso's epic poem "Gerusalemme liberata."
Rinaldo was premiered in London, Queen's Theatre in the Haymarket, February 24, 1711. The setting is fictional Jerusalem in Palestine, in 1099 at the end of the first crusade.
Notable aria: "Lascia ch'io pianga" (Almirena)
Rinaldo was the first of Handel's operas for a London audience. The London Spectator applauded its "Thunder, Lightning, Illuminations, and Fireworks." George F. Handel brilliantly scored the opera in mere weeks, but he also borrowed music, including the much-loved march for Crusade forces in the closing act, from some of his earlier work still not known in London at that point. The opera was extensively revised by Handel for February 10, 1731 revival.
Character Roles of Opera Rinaldo
- Goffredo, Captain of the Christian army (contralto; tenor in second version)
- Rinaldo, Christian soldier (countertenor or soprano; contralto in 2nd version)
- Almirena, Daughter to Goffredo (soprano)
- Argante, King of Jerusalem (bass; contralto in 2nd version)
- Armida, Enchantress Queen of Damascus (soprano; contralto in 2nd version)
- Eustazio, Brother to Goffredo (contralto; deleted in 2nd version).
- Christian Magician (contralto; bass in 2nd version)
- Large numbers of super spirits and demons.
Plot Summary / Synopses of Opera Rinaldo
Overture.
Act 1
Scene 1. A Christian Encampment Outside the Gates of Jerusalem
Rinaldo and his general, Goffredo, anticipate their success over the heathen rulers of Jerusalem. Rinaldo is engaged to Almirena, Goffredo's daughter. Argante, the king of Jerusalem, visit Goffredo's camp to ask for a three-day truce. He loves Armida, the queen of Damascus, and an enchantress.
Scene 2. A Desolate Rock with Armida's Castle in the Background
Armida tells Argante that he can win the battle, only if Rinaldo withdraws from the fight. She also promises him she'll do it herself using her powers.
Scene 3. Almirena's Garden
Armida and the evil spirits supporting her overpower Rinaldo. They also steal Almirena from him.
Act 2
Scene 1. A Boat at Anchor on a Tranquil Sea
Goffredo and Rinaldo search out a Christian magician who can help them defeat Armida. A mermaid tempts Rinaldo into a magic boat which puts out to sea and sinks.
Scene 2. Armida's Enchanted Palace
Argante falls in love with Almirena and attempts to free her, but Armida subdues him. Armida loves Rinaldo. She tricks him by assuming Almirena's form.
Prelude.
Act 3
Scene 1. An Awesome Mountain with Armida's Palace on its Summit and a Grotto at its Foot
The Christian magician arms Rinaldo with a magic wand and he uses it to ward off Armida's evil spirits.
Scene 2. Armida's Enchanted Palace
Armida and Argante make up. Rinaldo uses the wand to turn Armida's enchanted garden into a desert. Rinaldo and Goffredo are reunited with Almirena.
Scene 3. The Gates of Jerusalem
Before the gates of Jerusalem, a battle tales place. Rinaldo is victorious. Armida accepts her defeat by breaking her wand.
Readers may want to check out other operas by Handel including Julius Caesar and Tamerlano.
Sources:
Opera by Alan Riding and L.D. Downer, Dorling Kindersley, London, 2006
The Da Capo Opera Manual by Nicholas Ivor Martin, 1997
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