Alcina

Ruggiero has abandoned his betrothed Bradamante and is now captivated by Alcina. She has created a world of beauty, art and sex, where she wears out one lover after another. Bradamante will not give up on her beloved quite so easily, however, and her fight for Ruggiero rattles and erodes Alcina’s power. What is the value of beauty if no one appreciates or believes in it? Alcina must face the merciless light of reason and watch as her magic kingdom of passion is brought to heel by a world of rules and efficiency. Händel was inspired by stories from Ariosto’s Orlando furioso to make one of his most beautiful and profound works.