Claudio Monteverdi - L'Orfeo (De Nederlandse Opera) PAL (Opus Arte DVD)

Intense and refined performances by an inspired cast, led by a profound and commanding John Mark Ainsley as the legendary tragic musician, are sustained with fluent ease and obvious affection by the ensemble under Stephen Stubbs. The beautifully styled, evocative stage production, rich with Pierre Audi’s trademark symbolism, accentuates the solemn serenity of Monteverdi’s most famous work to create a moving and timeless experience.

John Mark Ainsley, Brigitte Balleys, Michael Chance, David Cordier, Mario Luperi, Russell Smythe
Tragicomedia and Concerto Palatino / Stephen Stubbs
Stage Director Pierre Audi


Plus


Illustrated Synopsis & Cast Gallery
Introduction to the opera featuring interviews with Pierre Audi, Stephen Stubbs and members of the cast


Reviews

‘With his new production for NETHERLANDS OPERA of Orfeo, Pierre Audi has completed a well-received cycle of Monteverdi’s major stage works. On stage we saw the usual Audi juxtaposition of elements: some vast tree trunks, a stone wall, an immense round pond, and later, fire. The prologue was magnificently sung by the counter-tenor David Cordier as La Musica. … The chorus sang with such spirit and refinement that one regretted that they did not have more to do. … Stephen Stubbs, seconded by Emmanuelle Haïm playing various keyboard instruments, led his ensemble Tragicomedia with obvious affection and understanding. All the instrumentalists played with fluent ease, a long way from the scratchy ‘authentic’ bands of 20 years ago!’
Opera

Awards & Accolades:
DVD CHOICE in BBC Music Magazine (Dec 2006)

Diapason D'Or (Feb 2006)

CAT NO: OA 0928 D
FORMAT: PAL
REGIONS: All Regions
PICTURE FORMAT: 16:9
LENGTH: 140 Mins
SOUND: DTS SURROUND / LPCM STEREO
SUBTITLES: EN/FR/DE/ES/IT/NL
RELEASED: 01/10/2005
NO OF DISCS: 2