Furioso
Fury, Madness, and Virtuosity of a Baroque Hero
“The myth of Orlando Furioso, conceived in the sixteenth century by Ludovico Ariosto, became one of the most fertile sources of musical and dramatic inspiration. Between chivalric heroism, romantic torment and psychological turmoil, it explores the extremes of passion and the fractures of the human soul, thus providing Baroque composers with an ideal terrain for expressing the tension between sanity and madness, order and chaos.
In this programme we explore the many facets of Orlando, through excerpts not only from the famous operas on the subject by Handel and by Vivaldi, but also from lesser-known operatic works by Steffani, Fux and Porpora. Recitatives, arias and instrumental movements reflect the hero’s inner worlds: secret wounds, psychological fragility, rage, heroic outbursts… The harmonic modulations, virtuosic vocalises and rich orchestration convey those extreme states, immersing the listener in an epic tale that is not only about heroes, but is also deeply human.
To bring the dramatic role of Orlando to life, I chose to call upon an exceptional soloist and charismatic actor, the countertenor Xavier Sabata. With Le Concert de l’Hostel Dieu, my long-standing partner, our aim is to bring out all the expressive force and drama of these fine works, in which every chord, every rhythm, becomes a vehicle for emotion.
In order to breathe new life into the famous myth of Orlando Furioso, this project – including a recording and concerts – creates a dialogue between literature and music. The hero is presented in all his dramatic intensity, inviting everyone to plunge into the tumult of this passions and be carried away by the timeless power of Baroque art.”
Ce projet qui associe enregistrement et concerts, fait dialoguer littérature et musique et où le mythe. Orlando y apparaît dans toute son intensité dramatique, invitant chacun à plonger dans le tumulte de ses passions et à se laisser emporter par la puissance intemporelle de l’art baroque. »
By Franck-Emmanuel Comte
PICTURES
©Julie Cherki
©Julie Cherki
©Daniel Rachamim
©William Sundfor
©William Sundfor
©William Sundfor
©Julie Cherki
©Julie Cherki
©Julie Cherki
©William Sundfor
FURIOSO EN VIDÉO
CALENDAR
Tour in Europe and South America: May, June, September 2026
