Recommended for Grades 6-12
In this resource, you will:
- Learn the opera’s background and synopsis
- Meet the opera’s composer
Alcina
by George Frideric Handel
Alcina
by George Frideric Handel
A quick overview of Handel’s 1735 epic tale of knights and sorcery.
Premiered
1735
Music by
George Frideric Handel
LIBRETTO by
Riccardo Broschi
Languages
German and Italian
Background
Alcina is one of three Handel operas based on Ludovico Ariosto’s epic work, Orlando Furioso. Handel’s other two operas, both of which debuted in his adopted hometown of London, were Orlando and Ariodante. Written just over 500 years ago and told in poetic verse, Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso may be the perfect story for you if you’re a fan of mystery, magicians, flying hippogriffs, slimy sea monsters, ugly witches who disguise themselves as fair young maids, or tales of true love trying desperately to conquer all.
Ariosto’s original text inspired many other works of art besides Handel’s three stage productions, including Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and certain scenes in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
Synopsis
Alcina, a beautiful enchantress with a habit of turning people who annoy her into animals and inanimate objects, has succeeded in bewitching Ruggiero, a handsome knight. Ruggiero has been living with Alcina on her magical island for some time, despite the fact he was meant to go down in history as a virtuous hero.
This irritates Bradamante, Ruggiero’s former girlfriend whom he had promised to marry. She and the magician Melisso travel to Alcina’s island hoping to bring Ruggiero back to his senses with the help of a magic ring. Bradamante disguises herself as her brother, “Ricciardo”; and, she and Melisso show up on Alcina’s doorstep claiming to be shipwrecked sailors.
Their plans go downhill quickly, however, when Alcina’s sister, Morgana, falls instantly in love with Ricciardo. To make matters worse, Ruggiero refuses to give Alcina up, even after being confronted by his fiancée’s “brother.” Meanwhile, Alcina’s army general, Oronte, who’s crazy about Morgana, announces to Ruggiero that Alcina has heart eyes for the newly arrived Ricciardo. Still, thanks to Alcina’s powers of persuasion, Ruggiero pretty much remains under her spell... that is until Melisso, pretending to be Ruggiero’s old tutor, Atlante, manages to get Ruggiero alone and slips the enchanted ring on his finger.
Did you get all that?
Shocked to discover that Alcina’s island is just smoke and mirrors, Ruggiero instantly regrets his lovesick behavior. But when Bradamante returns and reveals her true self, Ruggiero doubts his own senses and worries that her image is yet another trick.
Bradamante has nearly had enough, but Ruggiero eventually decides to fool Alcina into letting him leave her heavily guarded castle for an impromptu “hunting trip” (while actually secretly plotting to leave the island for good). Alcina eventually uncovers the truth and is furious, but she’s too late—soon Ruggiero has begged for Bradamante’s forgiveness. The two officially become a couple again, and, to add insult to injury for Alcina, the enchantress’s magical abilities begin to fade.
Phew. Are you following all this?
On the run from the sorceress and her henchmen, Ruggiero, Bradamante, and Melisso develop a plan to conquer Alcina’s army and destroy the mystical urn that lends the enchantress most of her power. But can these three righteous warriors succeed in their efforts? Will they be able to rescue all the captives of the island and escape with everyone’s life and limbs intact? Will the vengeful and heartbroken Alcina let them go?
Meet the Artists
Watch an Excerpt
Watch
Watch
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Written by
Eleni Hagen
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Edited by
Lisa Resnick
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Produced by
Kennedy Center Education
Digital Learning
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