An Oratorio staged by Georg Friedrich Handel, performed by Teatro São Carlos and presented at Teatro São Luís, WITH THE CHARACTERS Pleasure, Time, and Disillusionment, who take on human form, competing for the soul of Beauty.
The composer G.F. Handel (1685-1759) traveled to Rome at the age of 22 to explore the world of opera, working as an organist. At the time, the Pope had prohibited the public performance of opera, but Cardinal Pamphili, a cultured man, welcomed great musicians into his lavish palace. Handel, already the author of numerous works in Italian and German, and "The Messiah," his masterpiece in English (as he had adopted London as his home), promptly received a commission from the Cardinal to compose "La Belezza revveduta nel Trionfo del Tempo e del Disigano," using an operatic form despite the ban on opera compositions.
Regarding the singers, they require expressive vocal technique in the Baroque style, especially in the role of Beauty performed here by Eduarda Melo, who unfortunately did not convey the sweetness and appropriate singing style in the 9 arias she performed.
However, the highlight of the evening was Ana Vieira Leite, who sang the aria "Lascia ch'io Pianga" beautifully, with expression and a refined vocal technique, earning applause and bravos from the audience. It was later incorporated into the opera "Rinaldo" by the same composer, previously known as "Lascia la Spina Coglia la Rosa."
The musical direction was by Maestro Michael Hofsteter, conducted with elegance and without overshadowing the singers' voices.
Directed by Jacopo Spirei, the staging was modern yet integrated and effective.
Characters and performers: Pleasure: Ana Vieira Leite, excellent. Disillusionment: Cátia Moreso, performed well. Time: Marco Alves dos Santos, notable for his evolving technique, resulting in more musicality in his singing.
A production of the International Festival of Buxton, in collaboration with Teatro Nacional de São Carlos.