A keen advocate of the works of Antonio Salieri, Christophe Rousset continues his exploration of the composer’s oeuvre, having unearthed the manuscript of another masterpiece, the three-act opera Armida.

First performed on 2 June 1771 in Vienna, Armida presents a perfect synthesis of the Italian and French styles.

Salieri was just 20 when he turned to the difficult opera seria genre. He chose to tackle a well-known subject: that of the love affair between the Christian Crusader Rinaldo and the Saracen sorceress Armida, borrowed from Tasso’s epic poem Gerusalemme liberata.

A very dense plot focuses on an intense drama involving just four characters. The fluidity, originality and brio of his compositional style were to ensure Salieri’s lasting reputation throughout Europe.

Cast:
- Armida: Lenneke Ruiten (soprano)
- Rinaldo: Florie Valiquette (soprano)
- Ismene: Teresa Iervolino (mezzo-soprano)
- Ubaldo: Ashley Riches (bass-baritone)