The Rival Sirens: Performance and Identity on Handel's Operatic Stage

Contents

• Introduction;
• 1. The character of the actress;
• 2. 'Heroick virtue' in Rodelinda and Astianatte;
• 3. Identification and illusion in Alessandro and Admeto;
• 4. Balancing power in Riccardo Primo;
• 5. Senesino and the crisis of heroic masculinity;
• 6. The ornamental voice.