A Night of Magic: Steffani's Orlando Generoso Dazzles in Potsdam!

Potsdam, Germany - On July 14, 2025, a captivating performance of Agostino Steffani’s „Orlando generoso“ unfolded at the 2025 Musikfestspiele Potsdam Sanssouci, conducted by the talented Dorothee Oberlinger. This notable opera, composed in 1691 at the Hanover court, remains a vibrant example of early psychological opera, intertwining complex themes of love and madness within its richly designed narrative.

The opera centres around Orlando, who is driven to madness by his love for Angelica, the daughter of King Galafro. Notably, the narrative draws from Ludovico Ariosto’s „Orlando Furioso,“ transporting audiences to a fantastical representation of China. The production, held at the Orangery Palace due to renovation works at its usual venue, featured a minimalistic yet striking set design, with angled white walls and doors inscribed in Chinese characters, crafting an immersive thematic experience.

Performance Details

With its intricate mix of Italian melodicism and French formal precision, the music of „Orlando generoso“ showcases Steffani’s exceptional talent, admired by eminent composers like Bach and Händel. The cast included exemplary performers: Terry Wey as Orlando, Hélène Walter as Angelica, Natalia Kawalek as Medoro, Shira Patchornik as Bradamante, Morten Grove Frandsen as Ruggiero, Florian Götz as Atlante, and Gabriel Diaz as Galafro. Each actor brought depth to their roles, enriching the performance’s emotional landscape.

As observed in a review by Operawire, Terry Wey’s portrayal of Orlando encapsulated a broad spectrum of emotions, transitioning seamlessly from confident knight to love-stricken madman. Furthermore, Hélène Walter’s portrayal of Angelica stood out for its subtlety and expressiveness, especially noted in her duet with Ruggiero.

Acoustic Marvels and Theatrical Aesthetics

The performance’s acoustic quality was remarkable, with the sounds from the nearby Sanssouci gardens adding a poetic layer to the musical experience. The directorial vision of Jean Renshaw emphasized psychological realism, urging performers to delve deeply into their characters, effectively combining vocal prowess with dramatic expression.

The collaboration of Ensemble 1700, skilled in the nuances of Steffani’s music, further elevated the experience. Their understanding of the opera’s stylistic shifts allowed for a powerful narrative expression, maintaining an engaging balance between music and theater. This semi-staged approach resonated well with the audience, effectively capitalizing on the unique setting of the Orangery Palace.

Background and Legacy

Steffani’s „Orlando generoso,“ regarded for its psychological depth, has garnered attention beyond the contemporary performance. As noted by Classical Voice America, the opera’s nearly four-hour runtime is filled with arias and recitatives that capture the intensity of emotional turmoil, proving its enduring relevance. The Boston Early Music Festival previously showcased the opera, reflecting its drawing power and the continuing fascination with its themes of love influenced by madness and magic.

Ultimately, the performance underlined a profound connection between historical artistry and modern expression, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. With such artistic merit showcased in the 2025 Musikfestspiele Potsdam Sanssouci, it’s clear that Steffani’s work will continue to ignite passions in the hearts of audiences for years to come.