He was the most successful and influential composer of the classical period; Josef Haydn (1732-1809) wrote 108 symphonies, 68 string quartets and 14 masses as part of his astounding output. He also composed 20 operas but they gained little recognition because they were composed for performance within the court of the Esterhazy Princes; few were performed outside the court. One that had a little more exposure was Armida which will shortly be performed by the wonderful Pinchgut Opera; Haydn would be amazed as well as delighted.

Armida was composed in 1783 before the much younger Mozart had presented his most dramatically compelling works, starting with Figaro in 1786; Haydn composed within the opera seria conventions of the day. The plot is derived from a poem by Torquato Tasso concerning a pure crusader knight, Rinaldo; subject to temptation by the seductive Armida. Handel used very similar material in his 1711 opera Rinaldo.

Pinchgut’s production (opening at the Recital Hall on June 22) will feature Rachelle Durkin in the title role and Swedish tenor Leif Aruhn-Solen as Rinaldo. It will be directed by a much admired American director, Crystal Manich, and most importantly will be conducted by Antony Walker who is something of a genius in this repertoire. Since its foundation in 2002, Pinchgut Opera has become an ornament to Sydney’s musical scene, all the more remarkable given its entirely private funding.

The post Culture buff appeared first on The Spectator.