Francesco Cavalli: Ercole Amante - Opus Arte (2-Disc DVD Set)

UPC: 809478010203

Product Features

• Composer: Francesco Cavalli (1602-1676)
• Opera: Ercole Amante (Hercules in Love)
• Cast:Orchestra: Concerto Köln
  • Ercole (Hercules): Luca Pisaroni
  • Iole: Veronica Cangemi
  • Hyllo: Jeremy Ovenden
  • Bellanira: Anna Maria Panzarella
  • Deianira: Anna Bonitatibus
  • Lichas: Marlin Miller
• Chorus: Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera
• Musical Director: Ivor Bolton
• Stage Director: David Alden
• Picture Format: NTSC, High Definition
• Audio: Stereo and Surround Sound
• Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch
• Running Time: 201 minutes
• Region Code: All Regions
• Extras:
  • Illustrated synopsis
  • Cast gallery
  • Behind the scenes features
  • "The Making of Ercole Amante" documentary

Overview

Francesco Cavalli’s baroque masterpiece Ercole Amante was commissioned to celebrate the grand royal wedding of Louis XIV and Marie-Thérèse of Spain. This opulent production by De Nederlandse Opera, directed by David Alden, delivers a contemporary and surreal interpretation of this historical work. Luca Pisaroni stars as the heroic yet tormented Hercules, joined by Veronica Cangemi and Anna Maria Panzarella, who bring Cavalli’s characters to life with emotional depth and vocal brilliance.

Set against a backdrop of extravagant costumes by Constance Hoffman, Alden’s production blends humor, baroque opulence, and modern theatrical elements to create a captivating visual and auditory experience. Ivor Bolton, a baroque music specialist, leads the Concerto Köln and the Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera in a musically sublime performance. With its dynamic staging and impressive set design, this Ercole Amante is a true testament to the grandeur of baroque opera.

Interesting Facts

• The opera was originally commissioned to celebrate one of the most significant royal weddings of the 17th century—King Louis XIV of France and Marie-Thérèse of Spain.
• This production was recorded live at the De Nederlandse Opera in Amsterdam and is considered one of the finest contemporary revivals of a baroque opera.
• Luca Pisaroni, known for his powerful baritone voice, is internationally acclaimed for his portrayal of heroic characters in opera.
• Director David Alden is famous for his bold and often unconventional takes on classic operas, adding a modern twist to baroque traditions.

Publishers

• Production: Opus Arte, in collaboration with De Nederlandse Opera and NPS
• Release Year: 2010

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