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Music:Georg Friedrich Handel. Lyrics: A. Marchi after Ariostos Orlando furioso.
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First performance: London, Covent Garden 16 april 1735.
Blinded by love, the sorceress Alcina has taken Ruggiero captive. His betrothed, Bradamante - accompanied by her guardian Melisso - arrives on the enchanted island to win him back, disguised as Bradamante´s brother Ricciardo. They are met by Alcina´s sister, Morgana, who takes great interest in "Ricciardo". Alcina´s general Oronte warns Ruggiero that, with "Ricciardo" on the island, he is likely to suffer the same fate as ll the enchantress´s previous lovers and find himdelf turned into a tree or a stream. Eventually Bradamante is forced to reveal her true identity o Ruggiero, but he merely believes this to be another of Alcina´s tricks.
Melisso, disguised as Ruggiero´s tutor Atlante, gives him a magic ring that restores him to his senses. Alcina prepares to turn "Ricciardo" into a beast but she is stopped by her sister, who believes that he may love her. Bradamante´s nephew Oberto has now arrived, looking for his long-lost father Astolfo; Alcina tells him that they shall soon be reunited. Meanwhile, Morgana is heartbroken to discover "Ricciardo" and Ruggiero together, and Alcina is distraught to find that her magic ring and that she is unable to detain Ruggiero.
In a palace courtyard Morgana and Oronte are reunited in their love for each other.Ruggiero and Bradamante are preparing to leave by ship, but Bradamante refuses to leave until Alcina´s spells are lifted and her past victims (presently in the form of streams, animals and rocks) are returned to life. Ruggiero discovers the urn in which Alcina´s magic is contained, smashes it, and so releases all her men from their enchantsments. Among them is Astolfo. Father and son embrace, and the opera ends with a chorus and dance.
Adress:http://www.mogensoperasidor.se/alcinaenglish.htm
