Harrison Birtwistle: The Minotaur - Royal Opera House (2-DVD Set)

UPC: 809478010005

Product Features

• Composer: Harrison Birtwistle (1934-)
• Libretto: David Harsent
• Conductor: Antonio Pappano
• Cast:Orchestra: The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
  • The Minotaur: John Tomlinson
  • Theseus: Johan Reuter
  • Ariadne: Christine Rice
  • Snake Priestess: Andrew Watts
  • Hiereus: Philip Langridge
• Chorus: The Royal Opera Chorus
• Stage Director: Stephen Langridge
• Set & Costume Design: Alison Chitty
• Lighting Design: Paul Pyant
• Choreographer: Philippe Giraudeau
• Video Designers: Leo Warner and Mark Grimmer (Fifty Nine Productions)
• Picture Format: NTSC
• Audio Formats: LPCM Stereo, DTS Surround Sound
• Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
• Running Time: Approx. 170 minutes
• Region Code: All Regions

Overview

This world premiere of Harrison Birtwistle’s The Minotaur, brought to life by The Royal Opera House in collaboration with Opus Arte, is a monumental exploration of Greek mythology and the human condition. The opera, with a libretto by David Harsent, delves into the life of the half-man, half-beast Minotaur, who is imprisoned in a labyrinth and longs to understand his true nature. His encounter with Theseus, sent as part of a human sacrifice, forms the crux of the story, while Ariadne, keeper of the Minotaur, plays a pivotal role in Theseus's success.

Directed by Stephen Langridge and conducted by Antonio Pappano, the production offers an intense and visually arresting portrayal of mythological themes. The performance features a powerful cast, led by John Tomlinson as the Minotaur and Christine Rice as Ariadne, and is captured in stunning high-definition video and surround sound.

Interesting Facts

• This opera was commissioned by the Royal Opera and premiered in 2008, with John Tomlinson's performance as the Minotaur receiving widespread acclaim for its emotional depth.
• The set design, by Alison Chitty, evokes the stark, imposing nature of the labyrinth, heightening the sense of entrapment and existential struggle.
• Birtwistle's music, known for its modernist, sometimes dissonant textures, adds to the intensity and psychological complexity of the opera.
• The production was noted for its use of innovative video design by Fifty Nine Productions, which helped to visually enhance the mythological narrative.

Bonus Features

• Illustrated synopsis
• Cast gallery
• Documentary: Myth is Universal

Publishers

• Produced by: Opus Arte and The Royal Opera House Covent Garden
• Release Year: 2008

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