Handel: Rinaldo

All I can say about the production values is WOW! Imagine, in the depths of the COVID plague, September 2020, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino was able to mount this gorgeous production of Handel's first opera. The costumes made me drool with pleasure. The singing was up to today's standard for baroque opera; if one of the comprimari was somewhat under-powered that didn't detract from my pleasure. Carmela Remigio thrilled as Armida, while Francesca Aspromonte sang 'Lascia ch'io pianga' sweetly. Raffaele Pe doesn't equal David Daniels in the role of Rinaldo, but he has fine moments. Must be seen!