Georg Frideric Handel: Xerxes - English National Opera 1988 DVD

UPC: 4006680100760

Product Features

• Composer: Georg Frideric Handel
• Opera: Xerxes (Serse)
• Lead Performers:Conductor: Charles Mackerras
  • Xerxes: Ann Murray
  • Romilda: Valerie Masterson
  • Arsamenes: Christopher Robson
  • Amastris: Jean Rigby
  • Atalanta: Lesley Garrett
  • Elviro: Christopher Booth-Jones
  • Ariodates: Rodney Macann
• Orchestra: English National Opera
• Chorus: English National Opera Chorus
• Stage Director: Nicholas Hytner
• Designer: David Fielding
• TV Director: John Michael Phillips
• Sound Format: PCM Stereo
• Picture Format: 4:3
• Region Code: 2, 5 (PAL)
• Subtitles: Multiple languages
• Running Time: Approx. 186 minutes
• DVD Format: NTSC
• Year of Recording: 1988
• Publisher: Arthaus Musik, licensed worldwide by RM Associates

Overview

This DVD presents a celebrated 1988 production of Georg Frideric Handel's Xerxes by the English National Opera. The opera, conducted by the esteemed Charles Mackerras, features an all-star cast including Ann Murray in the title role of Xerxes, Valerie Masterson as Romilda, and Lesley Garrett as Atalanta. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, this production is noted for its engaging staging, which is both humorous and moving, showcasing Handel's unique blend of drama and comedy.

The English National Opera Chorus and Orchestra, under the expert baton of Charles Mackerras, deliver a performance that is both musically rich and theatrically dynamic. The DVD captures this production's unique energy, allowing viewers to experience one of Handel's most beloved operas performed by some of the finest talents of the English operatic stage.

This production is sung in English, with subtitles available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience. The DVD is presented in its original 4:3 picture format and includes high-quality PCM stereo sound.

Interesting Facts

• Xerxes (Serse) is one of Handel's most famous operas, known for its beautiful arias and the famous opening piece, "Ombra mai fu," which has become a staple of the operatic repertoire.
• Ann Murray, who plays the title role, is renowned for her performances in Handel operas, particularly in trouser roles, where she brings both vocal power and dramatic nuance.
• Nicholas Hytner, who directed this production, later became the director of the National Theatre in London, where he gained further acclaim for his innovative and accessible productions.

Track Listing

1. Xerxes (Serse) – Georg Frideric Handel
   • Act 1: "Ombra mai fu"
   • Act 1: "Frondi tenere"
   • Act 2: "Se bramate d'amar"
   • Act 2: "Ombra cara"
   • Act 3: "Se bramate d'amar"
   • Act 3: Finale

Publishers

• Arthaus Musik
• RM Associates
• Thames Television
• Channel 4

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