tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11336161.post1676987469002321256..comments2024-03-06T15:42:42.589+00:00Comments on Planet Hugill: Moments of beauty: Handel's intimate oratorio Theodora from Arcangelo at the BBC PromsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139360579883837086noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11336161.post-73329133423587207192018-09-08T14:36:25.067+01:002018-09-08T14:36:25.067+01:00On Septimius, Handel did give him more challenging...On Septimius, Handel did give him more challenging music; two of his arias were cut, the first in Act 1 Dread the fruit of Christian folly is a strong Allegro and its loss was felt. The loss of Didymus''Deeds of kindness' from Act 2 did not help his characterisation. (If cutting was needed, Irene's first and last arias are obvious candidates.) I was at the back of the hall where the sound seemed more occluded.The use of the overactive lute in the continuo was an anachronism that jarred; Handel's last use of the lute was in Deiademeia (1741); the only continuo instruments needed for Theodora are harpsichord and aourganHerakles921https://www.blogger.com/profile/18338554717240709154noreply@blogger.com