Hector Berlioz - Les Troyens | Epic Staging of an Epic Opera

UPC: 809478010975

Product Features

• Language: Sung in French, with subtitles in English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean.
• Director: David McVicar
• Conductor: Antonio Pappano
• Chorus/Orchestra: Royal Opera Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
• Main Cast:Run Time: Approximately 284 minutes (Opera: 254 minutes, Feature: 30 minutes)
  • Aeneas: Bryan Hymel
  • Dido: Eva-Maria Westbroek
  • Cassandra: Anna Caterina Antonacci
• Format: DVD, High Definition
• Publisher: Opus Arte
• Region Code: OA 1097 D

Overview

Hector Berlioz's Les Troyens is a towering opera that blends the grandeur of classical antiquity with the intense emotional depth characteristic of Romantic music. This Royal Opera House production, led by David McVicar and conducted by Antonio Pappano, brings Berlioz's monumental work to life with sweeping sets designed by Es Devlin, epic choreography, and one of the largest casts in the history of Covent Garden. The opera tells the story of the fall of Troy and the doomed love affair between Aeneas and Dido, two of classical literature's most tragic figures.

The production’s colossal scale—both musically and visually—is matched by the dramatic range of the performers. Bryan Hymel shines as the conflicted hero Aeneas, while Eva-Maria Westbroek's Dido and Anna Caterina Antonacci's Cassandra deliver moving performances as two women deeply affected by the fate of their people. Pappano’s passionate conducting draws out the complexity of Berlioz's score, making this DVD a must-watch for opera enthusiasts.

Interesting Facts

• Les Troyens is based on Virgil’s Aeneid, an epic poem recounting the foundation of Rome, which was a lifelong obsession for Berlioz.
• The opera is famous for its complex structure, with two parts: "The Fall of Troy" and "The Trojans at Carthage."
• It took Berlioz over 20 years to complete this masterpiece, which wasn’t fully staged during his lifetime.
• David McVicar’s interpretation at the Royal Opera House received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its breathtaking set pieces, including a massive Trojan horse.
• Anna Caterina Antonacci’s portrayal of Cassandra is regarded as one of the most emotionally powerful interpretations of the role in recent history.

Track Listing (Selected)

Act I – The Fall of Troy

1. Prologue
2. Cassandra's Lament
3. Chorus of Despair
   ... Act IV – The Trojans at Carthage
4. Dido's Lament
5. Duet: Dido and Aeneas

Publishers

• Opus Arte, with the support of the Arts Council England.

Hashtags:

#LesTroyens #Berlioz #EpicOpera #RoyalOperaHouse #DavidMcVicar #AntonioPappano #BryanHymel #EvaMariaWestbroek #AnnaCaterinaAntonacci #FrenchOpera #ClassicalMusic #WorldMusic #RareOpera