Rinaldo, its plot drawn from Tasso’s epic of the Crusades, was Handel’s first opera for London, where it was staged in 1711. The Italian libretto was set in the space of just two weeks by Handel, who made full use of earlier compositions, particularly those from his recent years in Italy. The novel Italian singing style with its arias and recitatives, and the sheer variety of colourful orchestral effects, ensured that Rinaldo won immediate and widespread success. On this recording an impression of the original theatrical effects is created by extensive use of percussion.