Decrees of Fate Handel's 'Deidamia' - reviewed by ROBERT ANDERSON 'Musically the opera bowls along with both speed and distinction; visually it is vaudeville.'

Performed at the beginning of 1741, this was Handel's last opera. He might not have bothered to write it at all if he had foreseen this Dutch production, which abounds in folly and seldom deviates into sense. The story concerns the upbringing of Achilles, whose mother had been informed he would die young in warfare. To forestall such a fate, she had him confined to the delightful Aegean island of Scyros, dressed as a girl among local princesses...

GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL

DAVID ALDEN

OPUS ARTE