L'Ormindo (2009) L’Ormindo was composed and first performed in 1644 in Venice. The plot, which has many
contemporary resonances, concerns a Queen - Erisbe who feels trapped in
her marriage to an aged king, and plays with the emotions of two young
princes. Throw in a couple of cross-dressing characters, two love
triangles and a sleeping draught masquerading as poison and you have
the makings of an excellent comedy.
The rediscovery of Cavalli in recent years (pioneered by Raymond
Leppard in the 1960s and 70s) has opened a door on these amazing works.
Full of beautiful melodies, extremely expressive declamatory passages
and harmonic invention, Cavalli operas have taken the opera world by
storm. More than 360 years after it’s premiere L’Ormindo
still speaks to contemporary audiences in many ways, and stands as a
chronological and stylistic link between the works of Monteverdi and
Handel.
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Pinchgut produced Cavalli's L'Ormindo and
received a brilliant response.
From a L'Ormindo audience
member:- "As a regular attendee of
Pinchgut productions, my congratulations on the best one ever. I went to
the
first night and thoroughly enjoyed opera which, not surprisingly, was
unknown
to me. Everything about the production was brilliant - the singing,
the orchestra, the acting and the set."
From a Pinchgut Opera Virgin:- "The opera was
delightful and
surprisingly relevant. Great singing and excellent production. I really
enjoyed
the vitality of the cast and orchestra. I will
be attending in the future."
Document Download: Ormindo libretto and translation (PDF - 372 Kb)
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