Fleming has been so magnetic in this production of George Frideric Handel’s 1725 opera, Rodelinda, created for the med by Stephen Wadsworth in 2004, that it has been revived twice, with as many members of the original cast has has been possible to assemble.
This video release — in either DVD or Blu-Ray — of the last remount was originally seen in theatres a year ago. And it is spectacular, from Fleming’s heartfelt, elegantly ornamented singing, to the remarkable work done by conductor Harry Bicket in making the modern Met orchestra sound like a band of period instruments.
Countertenor Andreas Scholl is excellent as deposed Lombardian king Bertarido out to get his queen Rodelinda back from the clutches of his enemy Grimoaldo, decently portrayed by Canadian Joseph Kaiser. Stephanie Blythe is excellent as Eduige and Chinese bass-baritone Shen Yang is impressive as Garibaldo.
Rodelinda was the first of Handel’s opera’s to see the light of the 20th century, and has remained a favourite ever since, thanks to its wonderful arias, and great sense of drama, which never feels as long as its two-and-a-half hour running time.
Unlike the bulk of operas on disc, the Met’s productions come with all the pre-show, intermission and post-show commentary intact, adding a nice layer of personal anecdote and essential background to the experience.
There are younger Rodelindas out there with spectacular voices — Danielle de Niese comes to mind — but there is a depth to Fleming’s performance and not-always-perfect voice that compels attention.
For all the details on this release, click here.
Here is a fine taste from Act One: Fleming singing Rodelinda’s “Ombre piante”:
John Terauds