Description
Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd – A Nautical Masterpiece Captured Live | 2 DVD Set
UPC: 809478010517
Product Details:
- Format: 2 DVD Set
- Composer: Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
- Title: Billy Budd
- Artists:Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
- Captain Vere: John Mark Ainsley
- Billy Budd: Jacques Imbrailo
- Claggart: Phillip Ens
- Mr Redburn: Iain Paterson
- Mr Flint: Matthew Rose
- Lieutenant Ratcliffe: Darren Jeffery
- Red Whiskers: Alasdair Elliott
- Dansker: Jeremy White
- Novice: Ben Johnson
- Novice's Friend: Alexander Robin Baker
- Bosun: Richard Mosley-Evans
- Donald: John Moore
- Maintop: Peter Gijsbertsen
- Squeak: Colin Judson
- First Mate: Michael Wallace
- Second Mate: John-Owen Miley-Read
- Arthur Jones: Toby Girling
- Chorus: The Glyndebourne Chorus
- Conductor: Mark Elder
- Director: Michael Grandage
- Designer: Christopher Oram
- Lighting Designer: Paule Constable
- Movement Director: Tom Roden
- Chorus Master: Jeremy Bines
- Recording: Live at Glyndebourne Festival, 2010
- Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish
- Extras: Cast gallery, Introducing Billy Budd, Designs on Billy Budd
- Running Time: Approx. 200 minutes
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic
- Sound: LPCM Stereo, DTS Digital Surround
- Region: All regions
- Format: NTSC
- Language: Sung in English
- Publisher: Opus Arte (2011)
- Website: www.opusarte.com
Product Features
- Comprehensive 2 DVD Set featuring Benjamin Britten's powerful opera
- Live recording from the prestigious Glyndebourne Festival
- Stellar cast led by Jacques Imbrailo as Billy Budd and John Mark Ainsley as Captain Vere
- Expert direction by Michael Grandage, bringing depth to this maritime tale
- High-quality audio and video, recorded in high definition and true surround sound
- Multilingual subtitles in English, French, German, and Spanish
- Bonus features including cast gallery and behind-the-scenes documentaries
- All-region DVD, compatible with most DVD players worldwide
Overview
Experience the gripping tale of good versus evil in Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd, captured live at the renowned Glyndebourne Festival in 2010. Based on Herman Melville's classic novella, this powerful opera delves into the life aboard HMS Indomitable during the late 18th century. The story follows the innocent and charismatic Billy Budd, portrayed by the talented Jacques Imbrailo, as he becomes entangled in a tragic conflict with the malevolent master-at-arms, John Claggart, played by Phillip Ens.
Under the masterful baton of conductor Mark Elder, the London Philharmonic Orchestra brings Britten's evocative score to life, while director Michael Grandage meticulously recreates the claustrophobic atmosphere of naval life. John Mark Ainsley delivers a compelling performance as Captain Vere, the thoughtful commander torn between duty and conscience. This production is further enhanced by Christopher Oram's authentic set designs and Paule Constable's atmospheric lighting.
Whether you're a long-time opera enthusiast or new to Britten's works, this 2 DVD set offers an immersive experience that explores deep themes of innocence, corruption, and the complexities of human nature.
Interesting Facts
- Based on a Classic: The opera is adapted from Herman Melville's novella Billy Budd, which was left unfinished at his death and later discovered and published posthumously.
- All-Male Cast: Billy Budd is notable for its all-male cast, reflecting the historical setting aboard a British Royal Navy warship.
- Award-Winning Production: This Glyndebourne production was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, receiving critical acclaim.
- Benjamin Britten's Signature Style: The opera showcases Britten's unique ability to convey complex psychological themes through music.
- Anniversary Performance: The 2010 performance commemorated Britten's centenary, celebrating 100 years since the composer's birth.
Publishers
- DVD Producer: James Whitbourn
- DVD Executive Producer: Roland Ott
- Publisher: Opus Arte (2011)
- Co-production: Glyndebourne Enterprises Ltd, François Roussillon et Associés, Mezzo
- Websites:
#BenjaminBritten #BillyBudd #OperaDVD #GlyndebourneFestival #JacquesImbrailo #JohnMarkAinsley #MarkElder #MichaelGrandage #ClassicalMusic #LiveOpera
