As part of its Internationale Händel-Festspiele, the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe is reviving the production of Rinaldo that was first presented here last year.
This production by Hinrich Horstkotte pays tribute to the ingenuity of period stagecraft, the earliest “special effects,” if you will. Perspective sets, appearances of monsters, and suspended singers all contribute to a Baroque atmosphere, colorful and enhanced by meticulously designed costumes.
The aptly named Rinaldo Alessandrini conducts a highly energized Deutsche Händel-Solisten, bringing a welcome dynamism to this 1731 version, though it could be criticized for lacking the grandiloquence of the original version.
Martha Eason and Lisandro Abadie are given little room to fully express their talent but still deliver a satisfactory rendition of their respective roles.
A very pleasant surprise of the evening is Jorge Navarro Colorado’s Goffredo. His tone is warm, his projection solid, and his coloratura perfectly controlled. A true vocal and stage triumph.
Opposite him, Francesca Ascioti’s Argante is full of panache and bite. While one might prefer the 1711 version where this role is sung by a bass, Ascioti’s performance brings a vitality and fire of its own.
This energy pairs perfectly with Valeria Girardello’s Armida, who embodies the role of the malevolent sorceress with complete conviction. Very comfortable on stage, even in her imposing costumes, she proves a remarkable antagonist.
The loudest ovations of the evening go to Suzanne Jerosme. She effortlessly soars through the role of Almirena, displaying rare ease. Her vocal technique is flawless, and her pitch is always spot on. Her Lascia ch’io pianga is a true highlight of the night. We look forward to hearing her in new roles.
Finally, in the title role, Lawrence Zazzo portrays a knight slowly descending into the trauma of war. His intelligent interpretation ensures him a well-deserved success, despite a slightly timid vocal start. In the second act, he regains his strength and finishes on a high note.
With a standing ovation, the audience salutes a truly beautiful production, featuring a cohesive vocal ensemble and a successful musical direction.
Rinaldo : Lawrence Zazzo
Armida : Valeria Girardello
Almirena : Suzanne Jerosme
Argante : Francesca Ascioti
Goffredo : Jorge Navarro Colorado
Musikalische Leitung : Rinaldo Alessandrini
Statisterie des Badischen Staatstheaters
Deutsche Händel-Solisten
Regie, BĂĽhne & KostĂĽme : Hinrich Horstkotte
Licht : Stefan Woinke
Video : Sven Stratmann
Dramaturgie : Natalie Widmer
Vermittlung : Daria Schirmer
