Georg Friedrich Handel Amadigi Opera seria in three acts HWV 11 Bärenreiter URTEXT Text adapted by an unknown author after a Tragédie lyrique by Antoine Houdar de la Motte German translation by Michael Pacholke Vocal score (Ital/Ger) Piano reduction by Martin Schelhaas BA 4031a € 26.50 Performance material available on hire

On 23 March 1715 Handel’s fifth London opera received its triumphant premiere. The success of what was Handel’s third opera about magic was based not only on the splendid new sets and costumes but also on the extraordinary richness of beautiful music which accompanied the dramatic experiences of the lovers Amadigi and Oriana in battle with the sorceress Melissa. Amadigi was probably written with the famous castrato Nicolini in mind, who sang the title role in the premiere. The opera remained regularly in the repertoire until 1717 with small changes caused by illness or a change of singers. Amadigi was also performed several times in German in Hamburg between 1717 and 1720. The new vocal score is based on volume II/8 of the Halle Handel Edition; the appendix contains all surviving variants from the original performances during Handel’s lifetime.