George Frideric Handel
Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno
In a fitting tribute to his inspiration to MusicTown festival, Opera Theatre Company presented a concert performance of George Frideric Handel’s music drama Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno (The Triumph of Time and Disillusionment) and performed it in the dramatic setting of Christchurch Cathedral, right beside Fishamble Street where Handel premiered his magnum opus ‘Messiah’ in 1742.
Award winning Early Music specialist John Butt directed the concert which featured talented OTC artists Kim Sheehan (soprano) and Sharon Carty (mezzo-soprano), the performance also boasted internationally renowned Irish mezzo Alison Browner and up-and-coming german tenor Simon Bode, accompanied by the renowned Irish Baroque Orchestra.
The story revolves around Beauty whose soul is battled over by Pleasure, who secures her fidelity in return for eternal beauty, and Time and Disillusionment, who tell her that her beauty must fade.
In 1707 when it was written, the Vatican was opposed to secular work leaving composers turning to oratorios, or sacred musical dramas. This is Handel’s seminal work in the form, which he later went on to master.
Opera Theatre Company was honored to bring Handel’s most important works to the MusicTown audience in such a historically significant and beautiful location.
Tour Details
| Friday 10 April | Dublin | Christchurch Cathedral |
"Browner, the most experienced singer, brings great depth and style to her role... Up-and-coming tenor Simon Bode is clearly here to impress, and does so with excellent tone, presence and clarity. Vocally, however, the evening belongs to mezzo Sharon Carty, who sings with assurance and authority"
Production Information
Cast |
|
| Belezza | Kim Sheehan |
| Piacere | Sharon Carty |
| Disinganno | Alison Browner |
| Tempo | Simon Bode |
| Music Director | John Butt |
