Handel's heroic opera, written for London in 1720, weaves a complex plot of jealousies, rivalries, confusion, courage and despair, revolving around the story of the capture of Thracian prince Radamisto and his wife Zenobia by Tiridate, King of Armenia, who is Radamisto's brother-in-law but is driven by his passion for Zenobia. His lust imperils the entire
Thracian royal household, who resolve to die rather than yield to the tyrant. This 1983 BBC studio recording is of the original version of the opera, which Handel revised substantially in his later years.
Michael Lewin (arch-lute) Robin Jeffrey (arch-lute/ theorbo)
Olga Hegedus (cello)
Celia Harper (harpsichord)
English Chamber Orchestra/ Roger Norrington Rpt