Ariodante facts for kids

George Frideric Handel

Ariodante is an opera seria by George Frideric Handel. An opera seria is a serious opera, usually with a heroic or tragic story. This opera has three acts. The story is based on parts of a famous Italian poem called Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

When Ariodante was first performed in London on January 8, 1735, it was a big success! It was shown at the Covent Garden Theatre. This opera was special because it included lots of dancing, which was new for Handel's operas in London. The dances were created for a famous dancer named Marie Sallé and her group.

After its first successful run, Ariodante was mostly forgotten for almost 200 years. But in the 1970s, people started performing it again. Now, it is seen as one of Handel's best operas.

Handel and His Operas

Interior, Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, where Ariodante was first performed

George Frideric Handel was born in Germany, but he became famous for bringing Italian opera to London. His first Italian opera in London, Rinaldo (1711), was a huge hit. This made Italian opera very popular in London. These operas focused on amazing solo songs sung by star singers.

For many years, Handel created new operas that were very successful. However, he faced competition from another opera group called the Opera of the Nobility. This group even hired some of Handel's best singers.

Handel then moved his operas to a new theatre called Covent Garden. This theatre had a special group of dancers led by the famous Marie Sallé. So, for the first time in his London operas, Handel added dance scenes to Ariodante and another opera called Alcina.

Meet the Characters

Title page

Here are the main characters in Ariodante:

What's the Story About?

The story of Ariodante takes place in medieval Scotland. It's a tale of love, jealousy, and trickery.

Act 1: Love and a Devious Plan

Anna Maria Strada, who created the role of Ginevra, by John Verelst (circa 1732)

Princess Ginevra is deeply in love with Prince Ariodante, and they are engaged to be married. But the Duke of Albany, Polinesso, also wants to marry Ginevra. Ginevra rejects him.

Polinesso then learns that Dalinda, Ginevra's helper, is secretly in love with him. He decides to use Dalinda in a wicked plan. He tells Dalinda that if she dresses up like Ginevra that evening and lets him into her room, he will be hers. Dalinda, blinded by love for Polinesso, agrees.

Meanwhile, Ariodante and Ginevra are happy and excited about their wedding. The King gives them his blessing.

Act 2: Heartbreak and Deception

Polinesso tricks Ariodante into believing that Ginevra is cheating on him. He tells Ariodante to watch as "Ginevra" (who is actually Dalinda dressed as Ginevra) lets Polinesso into her room. Ariodante is heartbroken and wants to die. His brother, Lurcanio, tries to comfort him.

The King is making final wedding plans when he hears the terrible news that Ariodante has died (though he actually survived). Ginevra is devastated when she hears this. Lurcanio then tells the King that Ginevra was unfaithful, based on what he saw. The King is furious and disowns his daughter. Ginevra becomes very distressed and falls into a troubled sleep.

Act 3: Truth and Happiness

Giovanni Carestini, who created the role of Ariodante

Ariodante is still alive. He finds Dalinda, who is being attacked by men hired by Polinesso. Polinesso wanted to kill her because she was the only witness to his evil plan. Ariodante saves Dalinda, and she tells him the truth: it was she, disguised as Ginevra, who let Polinesso into her room. Ariodante realizes Ginevra is innocent.

The King announces that Ginevra will be put to death unless someone can prove her innocence in a duel. Polinesso steps forward to fight Lurcanio, pretending to defend Ginevra's honor. Ginevra is sad, preferring death to losing her honor.

Polinesso and Lurcanio fight. Lurcanio badly wounds Polinesso. Then, a new champion appears, hiding his face. It is Ariodante! He reveals himself and declares Ginevra innocent. Dalinda also admits her part in the trick. As Polinesso dies, he confesses his guilt.

The King forgives Dalinda. Ginevra is reunited with her beloved Ariodante, and everyone celebrates. The opera ends with a grand celebration, with music and dancing, praising goodness and truth.

Amazing Music

John Beard, who created the role of Lurcanio

The music in Ariodante is truly special. The songs for Ginevra are amazing, showing her journey from joy to deep sadness and back to happiness. There's a beautiful duet between Ginevra and Ariodante called "Prendi, prendi da questa mano." The first act also ends with lovely, peaceful music.

Ariodante's songs are also very powerful. One famous song, "Scherza infida," is sad and features a special instrument called a bassoon. Another, "Dopo notte," is full of joy and shows off the singer's incredible voice. Many people, including the music expert Charles Burney, thought this opera was full of "beauties" and showed the work of a "great master."

Images for kids

• 

  Marie Sallé, who danced in the original production of Ariodante

See also

In Spanish: Ariodante para niños