George Frideric Handel: Deidamia, Opera in tre atti

Even with Deidamia being a lesser work from Handel it is still well worth watching/hearing. The story is not the most involving and interaction between characters has been stronger in other Handel operas(especially in Giulio Cesare and Xerxes), however Handel's gift for characterisation still shines, Achilles being the standout in this regard, and the music like the nightingale aria is glorious. This production of Deidamia is a fine introduction to the opera. The costumes are a little gaudy and you're not entirely sure of the period the production is set in at times and the presence of the periscope submarines may go over the heads of some, wasn't so much a problem for me but admittedly it was a little on the incongruous side even if you understand the significance of it. Most of the singing is superb, though Umberto Chiummo can sound unsteady and Victoria Cangemi could have done with more legato and her top, which sometimes spreads too much, matching the purity of her middle register more. They are good actors though which does make them watchable. It is a very colourful production to look at, the sets are vibrantly coloured and attentive to detail. They are also very clever in how the characters' moods and personalities are reflected in the colours and settings, exotic for Deidamia, a wild jungle for Achilles and classical Greece for Ulysses. The staging has some really clever and witty comic touches that don't hurt the story at all, and it also doesn't ignore the serious nature of it either, the more dramatic moments are quite poignant. The production is beautifully filmed and the picture looks stunning, one of the best DVD opera releases seen recently from a personal perspective. And the sound is very resonant, allowing the music to speak for itself. And speak for itself it does, being stylishly and heartfeltly played and conducted with tautness and a sympathetic quality by Ivor Bolton. Andrew Foster-Williams' acting is a touch bland and he can look lost, but his voice has a lovely tone and it is very flexible also. The three leads are splendid, particularly the Ulysses of Silvia Tro Santafe who sings expressively and with much depth and characterises in a very deeply felt way. Sally Matthews has much depth and beauty in her voice and her acting is both robust and nuanced. Olga Pasichnyk is a great contrast, the voice is well-produced and agile and the masculinity and vigour- a quite impetuous amount too- are most winning. In conclusion, hugely enjoyable and recommended. 8/10 Bethany Cox