Performer: Mirella Hagen

In the hands of B'Rock Orchestra and conductor René Jacobs, Telemann's polyglot opera, once thought lost to time, becomes more than just a curiosity.

The tiniest orchestral details were discernible with tremendous clarity. 

Marlis Petersen's Alcina bloomed for a knockout “Ah! mio cor!” just in time for intermission.

Hagen, the first chapter in the Theater an der Wien's reimagining of The Ring, features music from Das Rhinegold and Götterdämmerung woven seamlessly together, telling the story from the perspective of Hagen, son of Nibelung dwarf, Alberich.

Under the baton of René Jacobs, B’rock Orchestra gave an inspired performance  that ought to contribute in giving Il ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria the place it deserves in the standard repertoire.

At the end, there was a profusion of boos and applause for the creative team: Castorf and co had given us a Ring cycle that was by turns infuriatingly indulgent, interestingly provocative, visually beautiful, puzzling and rewarding.