Potsdam's Music Festival Revives Steffani's Forgotten Masterpiece Orlando

Orlando, USA - Everyone’s talking about it — the revival of Agostino Steffani’s opera „Orlando“ is taking center stage in Potsdam tonight. Based on Lodovico Ariosto’s enchanting work about the lovestruck knight Roland, this vibrant presentation is set to be an unforgettable experience. The premiere is scheduled for June 23, under the expert baton of conductor Dorothee Oberlinger, who surely knows how to bring music to life. According to Radio Drei, „Orlando,“ subtitled „Orlando generoso“ (The Generous Roland), was composed in 1691. This production promises to offer both a nostalgic and fresh take on a classic.

Steffani, a composer who balanced various roles as a diplomat and bishop, surely crafted something special with this opera. The production consists of three acts and features a libretto by Ortensio Mauro, making it an intriguing piece of musical history. If you’re wondering who’s under the spotlight, the impressive cast includes Terry Wey as Orlando, Hélène Walter as Angelica, and Natalia Kawalek as Medoro, among others. This ensemble showcases an exceptional range of talent, guaranteed to dazzle the audience.

Historical Context

Delving deeper into „Orlando generoso,“ it’s fascinating to learn about its origins. As detailed by Wikipedia, this opera marks Steffani’s fourth for the Duchy of Hanover and reflects his unique artistic style of the era. Notably, it was presented in Hanover as early as 1692 and later brought to life at the Oper am Gänsemarkt in Hamburg in 1695.

Steffani’s works like „La Lotta d’Ercole con Achilleo“ and „La Superbia d’Alessandro“ also contribute to the richness of his operatic repertoire. What sets „Orlando generoso“ apart is its classification as a psychological drama, revealing intricate emotions and relationships in a quasi-fairy-tale world. This element of character development is a significant draw for contemporary audiences, making this revival particularly appealing.

Not Just a Revival

What truly adds to the excitement is that „Orlando generoso“ isn’t just a repeat performance. It holds the honor of being the only three-act opera by Steffani and Mauro based on a modern literary source, establishing its status within the operatic pantheon. Additionally, the opera was published in a German-language version titled „Der Großmüthige Roland,“ introducing it to a wider audience and demonstrating its enduring popularity through the centuries.

Steffani’s ability to weave emotional and dramatic narratives into his operas certainly resonates with fans, both old and new. With the collaboration of professionals like Jean Renshaw on direction, Alfred Peter on set design, and Olga Watts providing musical assistance, this revival of „Orlando“ is shaping up to be a major highlight of the music festival in Potsdam Sanssouci.

As the lights dim and the curtain rises tonight, it’s clear: the magic of „Orlando generoso“ is not just in its historic roots, but in its ability to captivate audiences in a fresh and engaging way. As we gather in anticipation, there’s really something to be said for the enduring power of music — it creates connections across time.