AMONGST the least known of G. F. Handel’s many operas is Flavio, presented last night at the Swan by the enterprising English Touring Opera. In their excellent programme notes they quote the late Winton Dean‘s description of Flavio as “an anti-heroic comedy with tragic undertones”.

In European Music Year (1986) the British Music Society awarded a specal discretionary prize for a Handel opera to Flavio, perfomed by Abbey Opera, out of 14 pesented in their Opera Project.

The BMS issued an accompanying booklet which covered Flavio as follows: “Underneath this tale of political intrigue and revenge is the unusual (in opera seria terms) character of Teodata. She loses her virtue to a courtier as the curtain rises, and is quite happy to be seduced by the king (Flavio) before returning to him. This and more makes for a happy element of comedy between scenes strong in character and contrast. Its (relative) shortness is a feature some will find attractive”

Then why, initially at least, did this performance lack some of the anticipated zeal and zest? Partly, without doubt, was the perfectly valid production strategy of James Conway, including design and lighting that appeared sometimes rather gloomy, if very refined and certainly beautiful to the eye.

However the main reason was sheer bad luck - a leading singer became ill at the last moment. Now there have been some very successful cases of a singer reading the score from the wings while somebody mimes the role. But here we had two singers in the wings alternating simultaneously with their own roles on stage, while staff director Anna Tollputt mouthed the words soundlessly and skilfully.

This caused confusion initially. And it was not till the middle of the central Act the audience really warmed up.

By the end it was highly appreciative.

Handel's marvellous score was in the safe hands of conductor Jonathan Petrer Kenny, with its near-continuous flow of luscious melodies or lively numbers, and without too much recitative.

The cast was what one expects from a good quality Touring Company - sound singers working as a team, though in some cases their diction was lacking. Kitty Whately and Pala Sides coped well with their dual roles; tenor Mark Wilde provided much comedy; counter tenors Clint van der Linde (Flavio) and Jake Arditti sang with relish; while the diction of baritone Andrew Slater was outstanding.