Last Updated on May 14, 2024
L’Olimpiade – Well Sung Youthful Collaboration with Irish National Opera
The Paris Olympics is fast approaching and what a marvellously operatic subject it is. The clash of competing heroes, the drama of the backstories, the misery and tragedy of the losses, the triumph and national glory. Presented by the Irish National Opera at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre, L’Olimpiade makes a drama of that drama.
And from perhaps an unexpected source. Antonio Vivaldi is most commonly associated with his ubiquitous (or some might say egregiously overplayed) Four Seasons. However, he had a formidable operatic output with over 80 titles to his name. L’Olimpiade is one of those lucky enough to bear his mark.
The backstory to the piece is as long as the synopsis, a typically baroque tangle of interfering royal parents, interfering prophecies and overlapping love Venn diagrams. A friend of mine recommended not even bothering with the synopsis since it makes no sense anyway. While that may be an overstatement, it’s certainly worth a read before going in since the plot moves extremely fast for an opera.
The Sicyon King Clistene is offering his daughter Aristea as the prize for the Olympic games. Licida, a Cretan prince, is determined to win Aristea but is no good at sports. The formidable athlete Megacle steps in and pretends to be his friend Licida to win the games, not realising that his own secret lover is the prize. Licida’s betrothed Argene is also unaware of the arrangement.
From this set up, it plays out like a typical opera seria. Plots continue to become more entangled, characters go through dramatic emotional surges and rollercoasters. In the end, the ruler gets to show wise, inspiring and noble clemency.
Directed by Daisy Evans, Molly O’Cathain’s designs are visually very pleasing. The clothing seems like an 18th-century idea of what athletes should wear, albeit with an engaging diversity of patterned cloths. The full piece takes place within a semicircular shallow amphitheatre which the performers rotate to produce different effects. At one stage it’s an arena, another a doorway, and at one point a fishing boat. The background changes between a limited palate of contrasting colours and it all feels smooth and well designed. During the Olympic tussles, the background sweeps into a palate of burnt umber and deep orange. The characters act out the tussles of L’Olimpiade in the foreground. It produces the unmistakable vision of a Grecian urn. Keat’s bride of quietness is silent no longer…
Musically, Vivaldi delivers nothing unexpected. There’s a consistent walking bass on one side and the melody is consistently in the lighter strings. The vocal writing is pleasant but unremarkable. There are noticeable borrowings from his other works. Nonetheless, there are some punchy furiosa arias and the piece rolls along at a comfortable pace. Baroque easy listening. Conductor Peter Whelan led the Irish Baroque Orchestra with vigour.
On opening night Gemma Ní Bhriain who was playing Megacle was unwell and was replaced by Maria Schellenberg from the pit. Schellenberg did an admirable job singing from the score.
Countertenor Meili Li shines as Licida. Li started uncertainly but was radiant by his second aria. Singing in the chamber space and with limited orchestra, he was able to make the most of the quiet moments and provide dynamic and emotional range.
Mezzo-soprano Alexandra Urquiola lacked fury in her furiosa arias. Sean Boyland as Clistene’s servant Alcandro preened pouted and generally ponced about until displaying what felt like genuine rage in his first aria, about not Aristea not being happy enough at his news. Chuma Sijeqa had a rich full tone as Clistene.
Rachel Redmond’s delightful moments of coloratura were well delivered but lamentably thin on the ground. Sarah Richmond sang well as Argene.
Overall the piece feels more consistently enjoyable than many Handel operas. Dramatically tight, well-sung and well-presented. I left energised and humming the tunes.
Royal Opera House
Bow Street
Covent Garden, London
WC2E 9DD
https://www.roh.org.uk/tickets-and-events/lolimpiade-by-peter-wheelan-details
