Rinaldo at Theater an der Wien

Rinaldo was George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) debut in London. The world premiere in 1711 at the Haymarket Theatre was granted a spectacular success and contributed greatly to that Handel chose the British metropolis to his adopted home. No other opera by the composer during his lifetime was performed as often as his first work for the London public. This is not surprising, but Rinaldo is a musical and scenic fireworks of a special kind and brings together the most beautiful melodic ideas which Handel brought up to this point on paper.

In the battle for Jerusalem General Goffredo has his best warrior Rinaldo promised his daughter's hand Almirena as victories premium. The sorceress Armida, who is fighting on the side Argantes, the ruler of Jerusalem, Almirena robs from the poor Rinaldo. When trying to free his bride, he is taken prisoner. Although both can resist the love Armida or Argantes, but only magic they can free and to help the Christians to victory.