There was great rivalry between King George II of England and his son Frederick. Both had their own opera company under their protection. The king supported Handel and his people; the prince committed himself to Nicola Porpora, who composed operas in the new gallant style. For Handel, this new company, starring none other than the world-famous castrato Farinelli, posed a major threat. He was expelled
… from his own King's Theater and had to move into the brand new theater in Covent Garden. No wonder, then, that Handel did his utmost for the operas he would subsequently compose, "Ariodante" and "Alcina". This last opera has a much-loved theme from that time as its subject: a beautiful sorceress manages to destroy many men with her magical powers, until her own heart is conquered and eventually broken. A complete live recording of "Alcina" has been released with some very renowned names: Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Natalie Dessay and Les Arts Florissants conducted by William Christie. (CP) _more