Reviews
Overview
Renée Fleming stars in the title role of one of Handel’s greatest dramas, seen in Stephen Wadsworth’s 2004 Met premiere production. Rodelinda is faced with an impossible dilemma: With her husband Bertarido believed dead, she either has to marry the despised Grimoaldo (the elegant Joseph Kaiser), who has usurped her husband’s throne, or see him murder her son. But Bertarido (leading countertenor Andreas Scholl) is alive and eventually reclaims both throne and wife—and makes peace with his enemies. Stephanie Blythe is marvelous as Eduige, Bertarido’s sister, who is betrothed to Grimoaldo but turns against him. Baroque authority Harry Bicket conducts.
Cast
Renée Fleming
Rodelinda, Queen of Milan, wife of Bertarido
Andreas Scholl
Bertarido, King of Milan, believed to be dead
Joseph Kaiser
Grimoaldo, usurper of Milan, betrothed to Eduige
Stephanie Blythe
Eduige, Bertarido's sister, bethrothed to Grimoaldo
Iestyn Davies
Unulfo, counselor to Grimoaldo, secretly loyal to Bertarido
