FULL ATALANTA New York 2022 Juilliard School
Information on the Performance
- Work Title: Atalanta
- Composer: Handel George Frideric aka Händel Georg Friedrich
- Libretto: Libretto prepared anonymously after La Caccia in Etolia by Belisario Valeriani Libretto Text, Libretto Index
- Venue & Opera Company: Peter Jay Sharp Theater, The Juilliard School, New York City
- Recorded: November 13, 2022
- Type: Staged Opera Live
- Singers: Mary Beth Nelson, Richard Pittsinger, Maggie Reneé, Donghoon Kang, Shelén Hughes, Jared Werlein
- Conductor: Gary Thor Wedow
- Orchestra:
- Stage Director: Omer Ben Seadia
- Stage Designer: Ryan Howell
- Costume Designer: Ryan Park
- Lighting Designer: Kate Ashton
Information about the Recording
- Published by: Juilliard School
- Date Published: 2022
- Format: Streaming
- Quality Video: 4 Audio:4
- Subtitles: nosubs
- Video Recording from: vk FULL VIDEO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS PERFORMANCE
Synopsis
Adapted by Omer Ben Seadia
PART 1
Meleagro has arrived, disguised as the free spirit “Tirsi,” and is looking for his crush, Atalanta. He soon meets a
confidant, Aminta, who commiserates with him over their relationship woes. In comes Aminta’s love interest, Irene,
who teases him. Meleagro tries in vain to stick up for Aminta. When Aminta works up the courage to face Irene
himself, he comes up with a big romantic gesture, but falls short. Irene’s father, Nicandro, questions his daughter’s
decision to spurn Aminta. Irene confides in him that she is simply testing Aminta, wanting him to back up his words
with action. Nicandro tries to convince her to let it go. Stubbornly, Irene stands her ground, but laments the
complications of love.
Atalanta finally arrives right in time for the games, disguised as “Amarilli.” Meleagro offers to join her, but she
refuses him. Atalanta celebrates with everyone, but realizes that something is missing. Meleagro is hopeful that
things will work out in his favor. Everyone is celebrating and enjoying themselves, except for Atalanta, who is
preoccupied by her feelings for “Tirsi.” Meleagro overhears her and realizes that she is experiencing contradictory
feelings. He intends to reveal his true identity but loses his nerve at the last moment.
PART 2
Irene, wanting to throw Aminta off, declares “feelings” for Meleagro, who places a gift for Atalanta in her hands
and asks her to intervene on his behalf. Irene uses this as another opportunity to tease Aminta. Aminta denounces
her cruelty, but she only becomes more entrenched. Atalanta enters and asks Aminta to pass along a gift to
Meleagro without revealing her identity. Aminta agrees but confides in Atalanta that he is desperate over his
relationship with Irene. Meleagro makes another attempt to appeal to Atalanta. Entangled in a web of her own
emotions, she rejects him outright.
During a jubilant celebration, Irene delivers Meleagro’s gift to Atalanta. Irene reconsiders her stance toward
Aminta, but he chooses to make her jealous by telling her that he is now in love with Atalanta. She falls for the
trap immediately. Meleagro witnesses all of this and intervenes. Irene finally admits that she only pretended to
love Meleagro and that she really loves Aminta. Meleagro passes out from exhaustion.
Atalanta shows up and contemplates how the gift she received from “Tirsi” looks a lot like something that would
belong to Meleagro. Meleagro awakens and Atalanta can no longer keep her feelings to herself. Nicandro joins
with Irene and Aminta, who have finally confessed their true feelings. Nicandro reveals the lovers’ real identities
and they unite happily. Mercury arrives and everyone rejoices in the splendor and power of love.