Ariodante in the telly...(direct, Mezzo TV)

It is certainly true that there is magic in the open space of the theâtre de l'Archevêché at night in July when the weather is summery.

I realised that tonight on my telly I had only  ears and eyes  for Sarah Connolly,  even more after I listened to her talk at the interval. She sounds so intense and calm. She compared her art of singing based on taking her time in  getting to what she wants to achieve, to the art of Cézanne, who each day only gave one definite brushstroke. Perhaps  Sarah has walked the Sainte Victoire following Cézanne's steps and read about him while doing the work during the seven weeks or so of preparation for this production in Aix en Provence. I felt at home when she referred to Cézanne's art of painting! In the quietness of the sitting room it was fantastic to listen to this opera again.
What happened then was totally different to my disappointement because of the setting. Knowing the tricks of the puppet show  gave me more freedom for the singers I could see close this time! (I was sitting at nearly the last row of the parterre). This time Ginevra went out through the doors... and walked past the whole 'house' and started hitchhiking at the same corner... (the doors also annoyed me at the live production... and I admired the discipline of the singers doing the right gestures while singing and acting... I would have done wrong most of the time).
Ginevra was stunning again. Now it is possible to enjoy these arias again and again .The orchestra is just a wonder, the two harpsichords and violins keep the pace. There is magic all around this music, and deep feelings too. I was told that there will be a Handel production each year because The English Voices will be in residence for some time at the Festival. I am pleased because they are marvellous singers. ( even so I did not like their step dancing)

. Alcina will be for next year.