The specificity of the interpretation of Rodelinda’s pa rt from G. Handel’s opera “Rodelinda”: interpretological approa
Authors: Yuan Xin 
Published: January 2022

Statement of the problem. Among the questions that arise, let us single out those that will form the basis of the proposed article devoted to women’s parts in the opera “Rodelinda”: HIP traditions and staging strategies; vocal roles and their possible modifications / transformations under the conditions of specific directing and performing solutions. Analysis of recent scientific publications shows that ‘Handeliana’ is currently very voluminous. Thus, the works of W. Dean (1969), J. Knapp (2009) and C. Hogwood (2007), which have been republished several times, are considered thoroughly; L. Silke (2014) summarized the experience of predecessors and presented new dimensions of scientific understanding of Handel’s legacy. Fundamental are the studies by L. Kirillina (2019). The problem of performing vocal music of the Baroque era has been actively discussed in the works of I. Fedoseev (1996), N. Harnoncourt (2002), G. Kaganov (2013), M. Burden (2009), A. Jones (2006), О. Kruglova (2007), G. Konson & I. Konson (2020). The purpose of the article is to single out the main parameters of the baroque performance of women’s parts in G.F. Handel’s opera “Rodelinda” taking into account the performing traditions and modern trends. The research methodology is focused on the concept of “authentic performing strategy” (Yu. Nikolaievska, 2020), positions of comparative interpretology (Ch. Zhiwei, 2012) and interpretative approach, aimed at studying the specifics of the performance versions. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the application of an interpretive approach to the study of G. F. Handel’s operas. Results. In the 1938 recording (conducted by G. Leonhard), Rodelinda was performed by the famous Cecile Reich, in 1959, 1973 – by Joan Sutherland (in London and Netherlands productions). Closer to the authentic versions is the one performed by Sophie Danneman (1996); there is also a famous recording of 2005 with Rene Fleming (Metropolitan Opera), who was brilliant as an actress (which is required by the plot), but she admired and “played” her voice a little, which does not quite correspond to the principles of authenticity. One of the stars of the Glyndebourne Festival (1998) was the performer of Rodelinda’s part – Anna Caterina Antonacci, who performed her part with the necessary psychological and vocal accents, but, perhaps, somewhat dry and removed, which is why the listener is also removed from the heroine’s tragedy. In 2011 N. Harnoncourt recorded “Rodelinda” (in the title role – Danielle de Niese, who owns the entire arsenal of means inherent in baroque performance). Lauren Woods (recording of the 2016) is one of the most famous performers of the baroque repertoire. Critics have noted her perfect articulation, acting ability and “impressive vocals”. Simone Kermes, who critics call “the mad queen of the Baroque”, is distinguished by bright and temperamental performance, especially incomparable in the interpretation of baroque operas. Conclusions. From the interpretive point of view, mastering the expressive system of Baroque vocal performance traditions, in particular the art of vocal improvisation and ornamentation, consistent with the artistic context and directorial decision, can broadcast for the modern listener the affects and meanings of Handel’s music. The established features of baroque style are marked (affect, which is usually concentrated in such positions as tempo-rhythm, tonality, text, syntax of the melody) and performance (timbre, dynamics, intonation of the melodic line, ornamentation). Rodelinda’s part has been shown to require the ability to switch from one affect to another fairly quickly. In the analyzed interpretations, modern singers (D. de Nies, J. Sutherland, S. Kermez, L. Woods, A. K. Antonacci) practically do not allow themselves to be free, but seek to follow the principles of authentic performance, which is manifested in dynamic, agogic elements, various timbre colors arias (aria of revenge, duet-consent, aria of lamento), the ability to improvise.