Harrison Birtwistle: The Minotaur DVD

Opus Arte 2-DVD set OA1000D

This video excerpt shows the world premiere of composer Harrison Birtwistle's gripping new work, The Minotaur. Composed in collaboration with librettist David Harsent, this work was commissioned by The Royal Opera and brings the monstrous, Greek mythological character to the stage.

The Minotaur, part man, part beast, trapped in his labyrinth and constrained by his bloodthirsty role there, longs to discover his true identity and his own voice. Athens must pay a blood sacrifice to Crete and among the innocents is Theseus, who has come to challenge the violent Minotaur, but who also attracts the attention of Ariadne, half-sister and keeper of the monster; it is with her help he succeeds.
 
The Minotaur: Sir John Tomlinson
Ariadne: Christine Rice
Theseus: Johan Reuter
 
The Royal Opera, Covent Garden
Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Director: Stephen Langridge

This video podcast appears on boosey.com with kind permission of Opus Arte.