DNO presents a new production of Händel's last Italian opera, Deidamia, staged by the American David Alden. No known literary source has been linked directly to this opera, which is set at the time of the Trojan War. After an oracle has predicted the death of Achilles at Troy, Achilles disguises himself as a woman and takes refuge at the court of Lycomedes, whose daughter Deidamia falls in love with the young Greek. Amorous developments and tricks of disguise expose the truth and Achilles is forced to take his place at the side of his countrymen in the battle against the Trojans. Comedy and tragedy are bedfellows in this opera, and the title role in particular covers the entire expressive spectrum, from flirtatious love song to heartfelt lament.
Deidamia: Sally Matthews
Nerea: Veronica Cangemi
Achille: Olga Pasichnyk
Ulisse: Silvia Tro Santafé
Fenice: Andrew Foster-Williams
Licomede: Umberto Chiummo
Nestore: Jan-Willem Schaafsma
Concerto Köln
Conductor: Ivor Bolton
Director: David Alden
Recorded live at the De Nederlandse Opera, March & April 2012
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