Rinaldo

Puppet theatres aren't commonplace in the U.S., but they remain a staple in Europe, with one of most active groups being the Milan-based Compagnia Marionettistica Carlo Colla & Figli, founded in 1835. The 1711 Rinaldo, Handel's first opera composed for England, is here performed by the company at the 2014 Ludwigsburg Festival. The romance plot, set during the First Crusade's siege of Jerusalem, pits the titular Christian knight against a sorceress who has kidnapped his beloved in hopes of not only forcing the Crusaders to cease their attack but also winning Rinaldo for herself. The piece is performed in somewhat shortened form by vocal soloists situated in the orchestra, backed by the original-instrument Lautten Compagney Berlin under the baton of Wolfgang Katschner, while puppeteers make the marionettes onstage “lip sync” to the singers. The result is mostly enjoyable, although the musical side is a bit rough, with some ungainly vocalism, including coloratura runs that are not always accurate (and not necessarily beautiful). The frequent shifts in camera perspective from the stage to the soloists, orchestra, and puppeteers backstage can also be very distracting. Despite the interesting approach, a better and more complete choice would be the 2011 Glyndebourne production (VL-1/13), which is set at a Hogwarts-style British prep school. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.0 and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.0 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include a “making-of” featurette and a two-CD set of the performance. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)