| Certainly her (Graham) match in every vocal respect was the superbly gifted soprano Ruth Ann Swenson, starring as Ariodante's betrothed, betrayed and ultimately vindicated love, Ginevra. Given equal weight to carry in terms of those incredibly demanding, heavily ornamented, too-many-notes-to-a-syllable solos, Swenson dispatched them all with uncanny accuracy and seemingly effortless grace. One would be hard-pressed to pinpoint a true "high point" in a role that is shot through with potential show-stoppers, but she, too, delivered with heart-wrenching sincerity during her Act II moment of darkest despair....And Richard Croft's warm, unwavering tenor made his Lurcanio, Ariodante's avenging brother, an engaging fellow, although his first, relatively uncomplicated aria � a declaration of love for Dalinda � was decidedly his best turn on the stage./ Review |
