Scherza infida

G. F. Handel
"Ariodante" - Scherza Infida
Tatiana Troyanos - Ariodante
*Should read Recording 1991 not Live 1971 as on the title of video. Sorry for confusion.

-Special thanks to andrea585ny for her continuous support.

Ariodante is an opera seria in three acts by Handel. The anonymous Italian libretto was based on a work by Antonio Salvi, which in turn was adapted from Canti 5 and 6 of Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando Furioso. Each act contains opportunities for dance, originally composed for dancer Marie Sallé and her company. The opera was first performed in the Covent Garden Theatre, London, on 8 January 1735.
-Synopsis-
Ginevra, daughter of the King of Scotland, is betrothed to Ariodante. Polinesso, a jealous rival of Ariodante, wins the confidence of Ginevra's friend Dalinda. With Dalinda's unwitting help, Polinesso tricks Ariodante into thinking that Ginevra is his lover.

The King, hearing of Ginevras alleged infidelity, disowns her, while Ariodante is reported dead by suicide. Polinesso then sends his agents to kill Dalinda, as the only witness to his plot. But Ariodante (whose suicide attempt was foiled), having met Dalinda while wandering in the woods, drives off the would-be assassins.

Polinesso, seeking to win the Kings favour, now offers to defend the honour of Ginevra in a tournament. In the combat, he is mortally wounded by Ariodantes vengeful brother Lurcanio. Ariodante, having learned about Polinessos plot from Dalinda, now appears and offers himself as Ginevras champion. The dying Polinesso confesses his guilt and Ginevra is pardoned by the King.