A compelling new recording of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's 1735 opera, 'L'Olimpiade', has been released, offering audiences a vibrant live performance captured in the composer's hometown. Based on Pietro Metastasio's widely adapted libretto, the opera delves into a convoluted narrative of deceit, romance, and familial revelations set against the backdrop of the ancient Olympic Games. Pergolesi's rendition is considered a highlight of his tragically short career, cut short by his death at just 26 years old.
The intricate plot begins with the formidable Megacle agreeing to compete in the Olympic Games under the guise of his friend Licida. Unbeknownst to Megacle, the prize is the hand of Aristea, the woman he himself has fallen deeply in love with. The drama escalates with the introduction of Licida's jilted lover, Argene, disguised as a shepherdess, and culminates in the revelation that Licida and Aristea are, in fact, long-lost twins. This 'brain-addling complexity' provides rich ground for operatic exploration.
This new album, released on the Arcana label, was recorded live in 2025 at the historic 18th-century Teatro Pergolesi in Jesi, Ancona – Pergolesi's birthplace. Conductor Giulio Prandi leads the Orchestra Ghislieri, delivering a notably pacy and dynamic performance. Unlike Alessandro De Marchi's lengthier four-hour recording from 2010, Prandi's version is judiciously abridged to two-and-a-half hours, ensuring the dramatic momentum is maintained without sacrificing narrative coherence.
The cast features strong performances, with Carlotta Colombo earning particular praise for her portrayal of Aristea, offering a 'richly rounded' characterisation. Silvia Frigato provides a 'plaintive' contrast as Argene, while Josè Maria Lo Monaco's 'supple mezzo-soprano' effectively conveys the complexities of Licida. Theodora Raftis delivers a convincing performance as the 'boyish' Megacle. The live recording captures the atmosphere of the performance, including some incidental stage noise and intermittent applause, which adds to the sense of immediacy.
For UK audiences, this recording provides an accessible entry point into a significant work of baroque opera. While live opera performances can be a considerable investment, the album's availability on major streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify makes this acclaimed production widely accessible. It offers a chance to experience a piece of musical history from a composer whose potential was tragically unfulfilled, yet whose existing works continue to captivate.