Aci by the River: Navigating the London Handel Festival - An Operatic Journey along the Thames

As Handel's iconic Water Music echoed across the Thames for King George I in 1717, boats and melodies danced from Whitehall to Chelsea and back again. Fast forward 307 years, and we embark on a journey in the opposite direction, sailing from Westminster, past the modern skyline of the City and Canary Wharf—unrecognizable to Handel—to the reinvigorated enclave of Trinity Buoy Wharf, opposite the O2 Arena.

Nestled within the expansive confines of the Chain Store, a neutral yet intimate venue, the London Handel Festival unfurls its latest audacious spectacle. Following last year's acclaimed revival of Handel's cantatas in In the Realms of Sorrow, this year's offering continues the festival's mission of rejuvenating classical repertoire with a staging of the early Italian serenata from 1708: Aci, Galatea, and Polifemo.

While overshadowed by Handel's later English masque, Acis and Galatea, the original Italian rendition remained dormant in performance during Handel's lifetime, its score now resting in the annals of the British Library. Yet, from these forgotten notes, Handel borrowed fragments to enrich his later masterpiece.

In this rendition, framed as a cinematic endeavor, Paolo Polifemo assumes the role of a besotted director, captivated by the sea-nymph Galatea, while Acis, portrayed by a soprano, and Galatea, by an alto, intertwine their voices amidst the drama. With hand-held cameras wielded by an assistant-cum-dancer, vivid projections illuminate the intense emotions coursing through the performance, set against Francis O'Connor's minimalist stage design.

Director Jack Furness's concept, though delicate in construction, serves as a vessel to unleash Handel's music with fervent intensity. The climax sees Polifemo's brutal dispatch of Acis, transforming him into a river where he may eternally commune with Galatea beneath the waves.

The triumvirate of protagonists in this performance boasts world-class singers, each wielding a mastery of Handelian style that elevates the drama to unparalleled heights. Callum Thorpe's portrayal of Polifemo unveils a nuanced characterization, diverging from the joviality of his later masque counterpart. In his rendition of Handel's astounding bass aria, "Fra l’ombre e gl’orrori," Thorpe navigates a staggering range of two and a half octaves, embodying the realization of unattainable fulfillment with remarkable depth.

Yet, the heartrending performance finds its counterpoint in Mary Bevan's portrayal of the innocent and rhapsodic Acis, her voice intertwining seamlessly with James Eastaway's oboe in the enchanting duet "Qui l’augel da pianta in pianta." Claudia Huckle's rendition of "Del mar fra l’onde" further enriches the tapestry of emotions, her voice resonating with resignation as she surrenders to the depths of the sea, the heavy doors of the wharf framing the passage of the Thames beyond.

Amidst the captivating performances, Laurence Cummings, unperturbed, directs the London Handel Orchestra with precision, successfully coordinating the multifaceted elements of the production. While the initiative's overall success may be subject to debate, its contribution to injecting a breath of fresh air into operatic staging is undeniable. Rooted in an unwavering dedication to musical excellence, this performance stands as a beacon of innovation in the operatic landscape.

In conclusion, as the final notes fade into the ether, what remains is a testament to the enduring power of innovation in opera. While the success of this initiative may be debated, its significance lies in its ability to infuse the genre with renewed vitality and relevance. Guided by a steadfast commitment to musical excellence, this performance exemplifies the transformative potential of daring reinterpretations and fresh perspectives. As the London Handel Festival continues to chart new waters, it serves as a beacon, illuminating the path toward a future where opera thrives, invigorated by the winds of change and the timeless resonance of extraordinary talent.