Jordi Savall directs Le Concert des Nations, La Capella Reial de Catalunya and the leading soloists of early opera in a beautiful period production of Monteverdi’s favola in musica staged at Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu in 2002. Gilbert Deflo’s stage direction reflects the sublime art and imagery found in Mantua’s Palazzo Ducale, with its famous Hall of Mirrors, where the opera was first performed in 1607. Soloists include Furio Zanasi, Montserrat Figueras, Sara Mingardo, Goria Banditelli, Antonio Abete, Daniele Carnovich, Fulvio Bettini, Gerd Turk, Francesc Garrigosa and Carlos Mena.

TV Director: Brian Large

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L’ORFEO IN MANTUA - Stage Director Gilbert Deflo on his staging of L’Orfeo
Cast Gallery
Illustrated synopsis
12 page full colour booklet


Reviews
‘...a sumptuous and original production...The cast is strong throughout... Gilbert Deflo gives a fascinating talk about the background of his stunning production...’
The Opera Critic

‘…[a] riveting and magnificent staging…I have never encountered such a truthful re-enactment of this seminal work, in both musical and scenic terms. Deflo’s direction is inspired by the sublime art and imagery of Mantua’s Palazzo Ducale, where the opera was premiered in 1607.
Over all is the presiding genius of Savall, dressed, as are his players, to look like portraits of Monteverdi. He draws performances from his virtuoso band that seem the very acme of authenticity. If this is not how the composer meant his work to sound, I would be more than surprised… Add Deflo’s fascinating words about his direction (an extra), a sound recording that has more presence than that on many DVD’s, and Brian Large’s percipient video direction, and you have a memorable result that I recommend unreservedly.'
Opera

‘...striking Spanish staging...’
The Independent

'This is a lovely performance of Orfeo recorded in the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona. It is a visual feast with brightly coloured costumes and a luminous rustic set in the manner of Poussin. The production by Gilbert Deflo is unfussy but dramatically highly effective, with some very elegant dancing and movement, and it opens with the simple but powerful coup de theatre of Jordi Savall sweeping in as Monteverdi during the opening fanfare. The chorus are strong, and the soloists are well cast, although just occasionally the conflict between deft ornamentation and filling a large theatre was decided in favour of the latter. The size of the venue also dictated a large orchestra, with the combined forces of Le Concert and La Capella Reial taking on the proportions of a symphony orchestra with a forest of chitarrone necks overhead. Savall’s conducting style is very understated, but he exercises very precise control over his large forces. Among the extras is a visit to the hall of mirrors in the Ducal Palace in Mantua where the piece was first presented in 1607.'
Early Music Forum of Scotland News

'Stage director Gilbert Deflo transports the audience imaginatively back to the 1607 premiere of ‘L'Orfeo’ at the court of the duke of Mantua. Music director Jordi Savall — dressed in heavy robes as Monteverdi — makes an entrance through the audience at Barcelona's Gran Teatre del Liceu to take up the direction of similarly garbed musicians. Deflo's staging is a sumptuous period re-creation of Arcadia, in which the action is slow, dignified, poised and almost as economical as that in Noh drama. The singing is generally excellent, with Furio Zanasi superb in the marathon role of Orfeo. Savall conducts with exuberance, and the camera delights in moving from him to the stage and back again. An extra feature is an interview with Deflo.'
Dallas Morning News

Awards & Accolades:
BEST DVDS OF THE YEAR 2002 - The Independent

Choc du Monde de la Musique

Recommandé de Répertoire

10 de Classica Répertoire (June 2006)

CAT NO: OA 0843 D
FORMAT: NTSC
REGIONS: All Regions
PICTURE FORMAT: 16:9
LENGTH: 140 MINS
SOUND: DTS SURROUND / LPCM STEREO
SUBTITLES: EN
RELEASED: 01/11/2002
NO OF DISCS: 1