This is a moment at the end of the first act of Handel’s Giulio Cesare, where a mother and son come together, united by their losses. The concert staging was straightforward, showcasing Metso Sopranos, featuring Beth Taylor as Cornelia and Paula Malich as Sesto, whose voice felt somewhat trapped but resonated with genuine emotion.
The performance had its powerful moments, varying from the sublime to the somewhat absurd. For instance, countertenor Christophe Dumoux delivered clear, flowing embellishments while confessing that Caesar fell for “Lydia,” engaging in a lively musical exchange with a solo violin. His control over a soaring note in his final act aria was remarkable, shaping a heartfelt crescendo with ease. John Holiday also made an impression as Ptolemy, Cleopatra’s brother, showcasing the nimbleness of his countertenor through skillful ornamentation. Under the direction of Harry Bickett, the English Concert maintained energetic and precise performance standards, though it lacked a certain grandeur. The emotional depth required warmer string tones and polished horns, supplemented by elegantly crafted woodwind solos.
On a different note was Morgan Pearse’s portrayal of Achilles, humorously presenting a bag containing a notable bloody head, eliciting laughter from the audience. After sustaining a fatal wound, he maintained a humorous demeanor on stage. Meanwhile, after Ptolemy’s demise, Holiday navigated the stage with a bit of slapstick awkwardness, tripping and retrieving his pants, which led to much dramatic movement even without a traditional stage setting. There were various levels of urgency: some moments were tentative, while others were more high-energy dashes.
This mix of antics felt somewhat self-aware, complemented by exceptional musical performances. However, the constant movement on stage sometimes made the transitions feel a bit jarring. Yet, Louise Alder’s portrayal of Cleopatra adeptly balanced comedy and tragedy, treating the stage as if it were a catwalk. With her vibrant arias, she demonstrated charisma and poise, blending confidence with a delightful mix of coloratura. Most poignantly, she conveyed heartfelt sincerity, delivering lines with grace and calm, her embellishments elegantly executed.
