Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd: A Maritime Opera Triumph

UPC 4006680102788

Product Features

• Format: DVD 9, PAL, Dual Layer
• Sound Format: PCM Stereo
• Picture Format: 4:3
• Languages: Menu Languages in English (GB), French (F), German (D), Spanish (SP)
• Subtitle Languages: English (GB), French (F), German (D), Spanish (SP)
• Region Code: 2,5
• Running Time: 155 Minutes

Overview

Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd, with a libretto by E.M. Forster and Eric Crozier, is an opera in two acts adapted from Herman Melville's story. This production by the English National Opera, conducted by David Atherton and led by a stellar cast including Thomas Allen and Philip Langridge, plunges into the depths of the human soul against the backdrop of the high seas.

Stellar Cast

• Captain Vere: Philip Langridge
• Billy Budd: Thomas Allen
• John Claggart: Richard Van Allan
• Mr. Redburn: Neil Howlett

With the English National Opera Chorus and Orchestra bringing Britten's score to life, this performance captures the opera's intense drama and emotional power. Directed for the stage by Tim Albery and for DVD by Barrie Gavin, the production's design by Tom Cairns and Antony McDonald, alongside lighting by David Cunningham, creates a hauntingly atmospheric setting that enhances the narrative's dramatic tension.

Interesting Facts

• Billy Budd is a masterpiece of 20th-century opera, exploring themes of innocence, betrayal, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals within the framework of naval hierarchy.
• This production, a collaboration between BBC TV and K Arts, showcases the English National Opera's renowned interpretation of Britten's work.
• Thomas Allen's portrayal of Billy Budd received critical acclaim for its depth and vulnerability, offering a poignant reflection on the character's tragic fate.

Key Credits

• Conductor: David Atherton
• Stage Director: Tim Albery
• DVD Director: Barrie Gavin
• Executive Producer: Dennis Marks

Hashtags

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