Teseo (1713) is an early Handel opera, formally his closest in style to the great French mythological operas. It is a piece of extraordinary brilliance and vocal difficulty, with many shorter, dazzling arias. Based on one episode from the story of the Greek hero Theseus (not very heroic, it is true, in his dealings with women!), Handel’s opera is translated in ETO’s production to the late 17^th century, and its design by Adam Wiltshire shows a clear influence of Dutch painting; it is set in a church where some characters take sanctuary from battle.
With a hero in the image of dashing Prince Rupert of the Rhine, and all the rest dressed in late Stuart splendour, ETO’s Teseo is a delight for all the senses.