Tamerlano provides a real treat for lovers of Baroque opera, with one of Handel’s finest scores presented in the most elegant and beautifully focused of stagings. Subtleties of movement and starkly beautiful images throw the spotlight onto the central passions of its story of conflicting love and hate. The conquering warlord of the title clashes head-to-head with his proud prisoner, the conquered Bajazet. When Tamerlano chooses to spurn his betrothed princess for Bajazet’s daughter, he sets in motion events that lead ultimately to Bajazet’s suicide – one of the most famous scenes of Handel opera.
This production, new to The Royal Opera, has the specialist skills of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment paired to an especially strong cast of singers, with Kurt Streit. From charming and delightful to intense and poignant, the arias are wonderfully varied and match fine singing to dramatic power. For those who love the clarity and subtle elegance of Baroque opera, these performances are not to be missed.