Almost four decades before creating his Poppea, Monteverdi wrote in the preface to his fifth book of madrigals, “The modern composer must create his works solely on the basis of the truth” – a credo to which the music of his final opera is utterly faithful.

Poppea is a potent work from opera’s first true creator and pioneering genius. The fact that, at the close of this highly charged ‘dramma in musica’, he allows evil to triumph over good (albeit temporarily), has frequently led to his being decried as amoral.

Monteverdi’s timeless masterpiece, which creates a modern, deep involvement in performers and audiences alike, is brilliantly captured in this High Definition live recording of Pierre Audi’s moving and beautifully styled production from Het Muziektheater Amsterdam.

Cynthia Haymon, Brigitte Balleys, Michael Chance, Harry van der Kamp, Ning Liang, Heidi Grant Murphy
Les Talens Lyriques / Christophe Rousset
Stage Director Pierre Audi

Note: This title is available in both PAL and NTSC formats

Plus
Illustrated Synopsis & Cast Gallery.

Introduction to the opera featuring interviews with Pierre Audi, Christophe Rousset and members of the cast.

Reviews
‘Dutch treat - Amsterdam has a model opera company: fresh, controversial and accessible… this Poppea is a quality product of self-evidently world class distinction.’
The Sunday Times

‘Memorable Monteverdi - Brigitte Balleys’s Nerone was so flawlessly sung that one never missed the more usual tenor casting of the role.’
Opera

‘This work is faithful to Monteverdi’s own credo that works must be created solely on the basis of truth. …with this cast of exceptional voices and superb staging this DVD is a treasure you will want to view again and again.’
Audience Today

'Vocally mellow with good dynamics and diction this is a seriously enjoyable vocal and acting performance. … Ning Liang’s scorned Empress is full of dramatic intensity. She produces a beautiful deep warm creamy tone that she then contrasts with a powerful and highly coloured almost abrasive sound.'
Music Web International

‘Pierre Audi’s Amsterdam production is a delight to the eye with its period costumes and absence of fuss. … This is another opera at which one marvels the more often one hears and sees it, both for the beauty of its music and for the vividness and truthfulness of the dramatic characterisation. …a splendid performance by Brigitte Balleys… a first-rate cast. Christophe Rousset directs the excellent instrumentalists.’
The Sunday Telegraph

‘…the first choice on DVD for this opera…’
BBC Music Magazine

‘…a 1984 account from Netherlands Opera conducted by Christophe Rousset who conjures some vibrant, authentic sounds from his choice musicians. Monteverdi is compelling in its austerity …and the visuals are dark, deep and golden.’
What's On

‘This splendid performance is probably more sumptuous than what Venetians heard in 1642. … There are a handful of spectacular visual effects, sparingly reserved for divine intervention. It is difficult to imagine the music being better sung: Michael Chance and Harry van der Kamp are impressive, but there is no weak link here, as one would expect…’
The Gramophone

‘...the mezzo Brigitte Balleys … gives an outstanding performance. … A good, solid account of the opera.’
Opera Now

‘A superb cast performs in this 1994 Amsterdam production of the greatest opera written before Mozart. … Cynthia Haymon is ideally sensuous as the ruthless woman who wants to marry the emperor. Harry van der Kamp makes philosophical dignity attractive as Seneca. And great singers such as Sandrine Piau and Nathan Berg shine in even the smallest roles. …the most persuasive version ever of a supreme masterpiece.’
Dallas Morning News

Awards & Accolades:
Diapason D'Or (Dec 2005)

CAT NO: OA 0925 D
FORMAT: NTSC
REGIONS: All Regions
PICTURE FORMAT: 16:9
LENGTH: 219 Mins
SOUND: DTS SURROUND / LPCM STEREO
SUBTITLES: EN/FR/DE/ES/IT/NL
RELEASED: 01/08/2005
NO OF DISCS: 2