Vivaldi's Juditha Triumphans Triumphs at Rome's Auditorium

A performance of Antonio Vivaldi's Juditha Triumphans at Rome's Auditorium in Sala Santa Cecilia on November 24, 2021, proved the oratorio's enduring appeal. Despite its rigid structure of arias and recitatives with few choruses and no duets, the work showcases Vivaldi at his compositional peak. The 1716 'sacrum militare oratorium' was written for the girls of the Ospedale della Pietà and features unusual instruments like viola d'amore, chalumeau, mandolin, and viols. Conductor Federico Maria Sardelli led the Accademia Barocca di Santa Cecilia, with a vocal cast including Ann Hallenberg as Judith, Vivica Genaux, Rui Hoshina, Giorgia Rotolo, and Francesca Ascioti. The performance was praised for its vibrant execution, with solists drawing warm applause. Critic Fabrizio Federici noted the evening allowed full appreciation of Vivaldi's colorful creation, likening it to a Venetian painting.