Handel: Rodelinda, HWV 19

Composed for the Royal Academy of Music in London—and one of three major operas that Handel completed in 1724 alone—Rodelinda is a musical and dramatic feast. Telling the story of Queen Rodelinda’s unwavering love for her king, who’s presumed dead in battle, it brings out the best in Handel. Here, its rich and often beautiful score is brought to life by British conductor Harry Bicket, The English Concert, and a stellar British cast. Soprano Lucy Crowe is in superb form as the steely Queen Rodelinda, and Iestyn Davies, playing her wronged King Bertarido, proves himself one of the country’s greatest countertenors (see his breathtaking performance of Act I’s “Dove sei, amato bene?”). Contralto Jess Dandy, meanwhile, cuts a formidable figure as Bertarido’s sister Eduige on “De’ miei scherni”. Made in September 2020, with a socially distanced cast and orchestra, this Rodelinda is a magnificent achievement.