Ariodante Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Ariodante.
Ariodante Ending Explained: The English National Opera first mounted David Alden's production of Ariodante, one of Handel's greatest masterpieces, in 1993. Directed by Kriss Russman, this 1996 story film stars Gwynne Howell (King of Scotland), alongside Joan Rodgers as Ginevra, Ann Murray as Ariodante, Paul Nilon as Lurcanio. With a 10/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of Ariodante?
The English National Opera first mounted David Alden's production of Ariodante, one of Handel's greatest masterpieces, in 1993. It met with unanimous critical and popular acclaim, and this 1996 revival features many of the leading singers from the original production. Ariodante is Handel's 1735 setting of an episode from Ariosto, in which the King of Scotland's daughter is treacherously accused of infidelity to her promised husband. The range of feelings provoked as the characters develop is caught in music of quite extraordinary emotional power, even by Handel's own exalted standards.
Kriss Russman's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Gwynne Howell (King of Scotland)'s journey. It met with unanimous critical and popular acclaim, and this 1996 revival features many of the leading singers from the original production.
How Does Gwynne Howell (King of Scotland)'s Story End?
- Gwynne Howell: Gwynne Howell's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Kriss Russman delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 2h 58m runtime.
- Joan Rodgers (Ginevra): Joan Rodgers's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ann Murray (Ariodante): Ann Murray's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Ariodante Mean?
Ariodante concludes with Kriss Russman reinforcing the story themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Gwynne Howell leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.