Vivaldi Opera Orlando Furioso

Italian Three-Act Dramatic Opera Based on a Poem by Ariosto

Aug 2, 2008

Orlando Furioso, an Italian opera by Antonio Vivaldi: opera plot synopsis, character description, and other Vivaldi's opera information.

Antonio Vivaldi (March 4, 1678 – July 28, 1741) composed Orlando Furioso, a three-act Italian dramatic opera. Libretto was written by Grazio Braccioli based on the poem of Ariosto. It was premiered in Venice, Teatro Sant' Angelo, Autumn 1727. The setting is on Alcina's island at an unspecified time.

Notable aria: "Nel profondo cieci mondo" (Orlando) and "Sol da te, mio dolce amore" (Ruggiero)

The story line of this dramatic opera Orlando Furioso composed by Antonio Vivaldi combines several plot lines from Ariosto, in which the exploits of the hero Orlando are detailed, as well as the tale of the sorceress, Alcina.

Character Roles of Orlando Furioso

Plot Summary / Synopses of Orlando Furioso

Act 1.

In a delightful garden in which two springs are seen, Medoro escapes from a shipwreck into the arms of his beloved Angelica. Alcina magically helps Medoro and he recounts how he was first captured, then shipwrecked. Orlando is jealous of Medoro, but Angelica lies and says Medoro is her brother.

Alcina is attracted to the knight Ruggiero. She uses her magic to make him forget Bradamante and love her instead. Bradamante discovers Ruggiero's "betrayal." She shows him the ring he gave her therefore breaking Alcina's spell. Ruggiero feels guilty by his actions.

Act 2.

In a grove with green secluded spots, Astolfo reflects how he loves Alcina, but is tormented by her unfaithfulness.

Meanwhile, in a mountainous alpine region with a high, precipitous cliff, Angelica and Medoro swear their love and part ways. To rid herself of Orlando, Angelica sends him to fight a monster who guards an elixir of youth.

Orlando enters a cavern and is trapped. Realizing Angelica's faithlessness, he digs his way out.

Angelica and Medoro marry in a countryside at the foot of a hill. They carve their vows on a nearby tree. Orlando finds the tree, and on reading the inscription, becomes furious that he starts destroying the trees.

Act 3.

The place is at the Entrance Hall before the Temple of Hecate. Astolfo believes Orlando dead. With Ruggiero and Bradamante, he plots revenge against Alcina. The secret of Alcina's power lies in an urn, which is locked in the temple of Hecate. They await Alcina's return.

Inside the temple of Hecate, Breadamante disguises herself as a man. Alcina falls in love with her. Orlando, still raving mad about the marriage of Angelica and Medoro, fights with the temple statues, inadvertently destroying Alcina's power.

In a deserted island. Alcina tries to attack the sleeping Orlando, but is prevented by Ruggiero and Bradamante. Astolfo returns to arrest Alcina. Orlando regains his reason and forgives Angelica and Medoro.

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