Handel's magical opera of 1711 was the first Italian opera written for the London stage. It is based on the story of the young knight Rinaldo and his adventures during the First
Crusade. Mermaids, fire-breathing dragons, the entire Saracen army and an evil enchantress are just some of his opponents. Handel's production employed a large cast and even included the twittering of sparrows. Birdsong also features in this performance which was recorded in the 15th-century cobbled courtyard of Beaune Hospice, Burgundy, as part of last July's Beaune Music Festival.
Les Talens Lyriques, conductor Christophe Rousset