Opera (Dramma in musica) in 2 Acts and a Prologue
Libretto: Giacomo Badoaro [Based Homer's Odyssey, chants XIII to XXIV]
First performed: 1641, Teatro San Cassiano, Venezia
Recorded: Glyndebourne Festival Opera 1973
Stage Direction by RAYMOND LEPPARD
* Based on the Greek legend of Ulysses and his return to Ithaca after years at the Trojans wars, the opera "Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria" is one of the earliest opera of its kind ever written.
* Monteverdi's music is of transcendental beauty. He took what had previously been rather monotonous, one-dimensional music drama and enriched it with emotion, excitement and expression, captured perfectly in this production.
* This seminal 1973 production is directed by Raymond Leppard and conducted by long established Glyndebourne favourite Bernard Haitink at the National Theatre. The terrific cast and crew, particularly the outstanding Janet Baker with her "richly expressive voice and dramatic talents, perfectly suited to singing opera", stage an impassioned production that is accentuated by the gorgeous visual design. An important addition to any collection.
Ulisse - Benjamin Luxon
Penelope - Janet Baker
Minerva - Anne Howles
Nettuno - Robert Lloyd
Giove - Brian Burrows
Ericlea - Virginia Popova
Telemaco - Ian Caley |
[ NTSC ]