Handel: Semele [Blu-ray]
by Robert Carsen, Felix Breisach
![Handel: Semele [Blu-ray]](/images/Handel-Semele-Blu-ray-B001M48XYS-L.jpg)
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Birgit Remmert, Cecilia Bartoli, Charles Workman, Liliana Nikiteanu, William ChristieDirector: Felix Breisach, Robert Carsen
Brand: BARTOLI,CECILIA
Producer: Opernhaus Zurich
Writer: George Frideric Handel
Writer: William Congreve
Blu-ray: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown); Chinese (Subtitled); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); German (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: AC-3, Anamorphic, Classical, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.77:1
Running Time: 154 minutes
Blu-ray Release Date: 2009-05-12
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Decca
Movie Reviews of Handel: Semele [Blu-ray]
Movie Review: Operatic production of an oratorio
Summary: 5 Stars
There is conjecture about this being an oratorio rather than an opera as it is based on an English opera libretto by Congreve. One train of thought suggests that, with opera waning in popularity, the oratorio form was needed for success to regain prosperity for the composer.
That said the Zurich performance is most definitely in operatic form but the result is strange at times with the chorus dressed up in dinner suits and evening gowns.
The plot uses mythology to illustrate that greed ultimately destroys the individual, in this case Semele sung by Cecilia Bartoli, who demanded immortality from Jupiter who had whisked her off to a specially built palace.
Bartoli is in fine singing voice and often outshines others in the cast. The oratorio style is often evident in the singing but this is not a somber work as there is comedy mixed with some bawdiness with Bartoli spending a lot of the time romping around in a nightdress.. So overall it is quite a different work which receives a unique presentation.
First class audio and video.
Regarded as one of Handel's masterpieces this production deserves a place in your collection.
Summary of Handel: Semele [Blu-ray]
Genre: Performing Arts - Opera
Rating: NR
Release Date: 12-MAY-2009
Media Type: Blu-Ray
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