Teatro Real’s production of Handel’s vivid tragedy Tamerlano stars a Lear-like Plácido Domingo as the Turkish sultan Bajazet, defeated and taken prisoner by Tamerlano, the Tartar emperor. Displaying the uniquely heroic quality of his voice, Domingo heads a superb cast, including Sara Mingardo, Monica Bacelli, and Ingela Bohlin-all magnificently responsive to Paul McCreesh’s authentic and luminous interpretation. The theatrical staging by Graham Vick provides a splendid setting for the characters and for designer Richard Hudson’s extravagant Baroque-Islamic costumes, emphasizing the brilliance of one of Handel’s finest dramatic achievements.

Baroque opera is a departure from Domingo’s usual repertoire. In a 2008 interview for NPR, he described the role of Bajazet as “ideal for my voice.” And, like many of Domingo’s signature roles, including Verdi’s Otello, the opera “has a great death scene.” He added: “In real life, I like to enjoy. But on stage … I am a masochist! The more I suffer, the better I can deliver on my music, and feelings.”

On August 26, Medici Arts presents Riccardo Muti and the Vienna State Opera in Mozart’s third and final Lorenzo Da Ponte opera, Così fan tutte (Medici Arts 2072368). Filmed in the historic Theater an der Wien, Così fan tutte features a cast of internationally-renowned singers including soprano Barbara Frattoli (Fiordiligi), who was fresh from her La Scala, Vienna State and Metropolitan Opera débuts. German-Canadian tenor Michael Schade had already sung the role of Ferrando under Muti in Salzburg and returned to the role for this production. This 1996 revival of the acclaimed 1991 Salzburg Festival production is directed by Roberto de Simone, with lush costumes by Odette Nicoletti and picturesque sets by Mauro Carosi.

Initially the least successful of the three Da Ponte operas, Così fan tutte only received 10 performances in Mozart’s lifetime. This puzzles today’s audiences who regard Così for the virtual perfection of its score. The opera (also known by its subtitle The School for Lovers) follows the trials of two sisters (Fiordiligi and Dorabella) whose much-boasted fidelity is tested by their boyfriends (Ferrando and Guglielmo) at the suggestion of the old philosopher Don Alfonso. Following a double suicide attempt, double seduction, and an aborted double wedding, Fiordiligi and Dorabella accuse Don Alfonso of the ultimate deception, because he persuaded the two young suitors to challenge the devotion of the sisters to their true loves. In the finale the four lovers forgive each other and all sing “Happy is the man who looks on the bright side and lets himself be guided by reason”