George Frideric Handel’s 1736 opera is presented in an opulent and stirring production from the 2017 Handel Festival in Karlsruhe, Germany. Inspired by the Germanic leader Arminius’s defeat of the Roman forces of Publius Quinctilius Varus in 9 A.D., the production features an 18th-century costume and set design that suggests the decline and fall of the aristocracy in the French Revolution, complete with a guillotine that is not for mere decorative purposes. The opera’s human drama—the intrafamilial difficulties involving Arminio, his wife Tusnelda, and their family—is framed against a greater struggle brought about by the invading Romans under the leadership of the general Varo. With Arminio imprisoned by the Romans, Varo sets his sights on Tusnelda while Arminio’s traitorous father-in-law Segeste conspires with the Roman occupiers. Although many Handel scholars consider Arminio to be among his lesser works, this production receives an energetic boost thanks to the excellent performances by countertenor Max Emaneul Cencic as the heroic Arminio and American soprano Lauren Snouffer as his beloved Tusnelda. Their charisma and vocal power create theatrical alchemy, turning a somewhat predictable story into a compelling and enchanting work of imagination. Presented in DTS 5.1 and PCM stereo, this is highly recommended. (P. Hall)
Arminio
(2017) 168 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD: 2 discs, $46.99, Blu-ray: $41.99. C Major/Unitel (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 33, Issue 5
Arminio
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