Handel's opera Giustino has received its first revival at the Royal Opera House since its premiere in 1737, in a scaled-down production directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins. The piece, which tells the story of a peasant-born soldier who becomes emperor of Byzantium, was performed at the Linbury theatre with a largely bare ochre-painted stage and gently oscillating lamps.
The production overcomes narrative challenges with sensitive simplicity, though some moments, such as encounters with a bear and a sea monster, feel arbitrary. The music, however, is beautifully played by the La Nuova Musica ensemble under David Bates, with scintillating playing and virtuoso oboe work from Leo Duarte. Horns and trumpets on stage add to the effect, and the Guildhall School of Music students shine in choral passages.
Polly Leech's Giustino emerges as the protagonist only in the third act, with an impressively burgeoning mezzo vocal range. Before that, the action revolves around the unhappy empress Arianna, played by Mireille Asselin, who grows more subtle and authoritative as the evening progresses. Benjamin Hulett provides welcome tenor relief as Vitaliano, and Jake Arditti stands out as the villain Amanzio.
Despite its dramatic unevenness, the opera's fine scenes and high musical interest make it a stimulating revival, though it is clear why Handel did not revive it himself.
