Igor Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress – Kazushi Ono, La Monnaie-De Munt | 2 DVD Set

UPC: 809478009917

Product Features

• Composer: Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
• Opera: The Rake's Progress (1951)
• Performers:Orchestra and Chorus: Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of La Monnaie-De Munt, Brussels
  • Anne Trulove: Laura Claycomb
  • Tom Rakewell: Andrew Kennedy
  • Nick Shadow: William Shimell
  • Mother Goose: Julianne Young
  • Baba the Turk: Dagmar Pecková
• Conductor: Kazushi Ono
• Stage Director: Robert Lepage
• Set Design: Carl Fillion
• Costume Design: François Barbeau
• Lighting Design: Etienne Boucher
• Choreography: Michael Measday
• Language: Sung in English
• Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch
• Region Code: 0 (All Regions)
• DVD Format: NTSC, 2 DVD Set
• Sound Format: SACD Surround
• Run Time: Approx. 140 minutes

Overview

Igor Stravinsky’s The Rake's Progress, a neo-classical opera based on the famous 18th-century paintings by William Hogarth, is brought to life in this visually stunning production from La Monnaie-De Munt, Brussels. With a libretto by W.H. Auden and Chester Kallman, this version of The Rake’s Progress transports the viewer from 18th-century London to the dazzling, sin-filled world of 1950s Las Vegas.

Robert Lepage, renowned for his innovative stage productions, directs this masterpiece, turning it into a cinematic spectacle reminiscent of the early days of television. The production features dynamic performances by Andrew Kennedy as Tom Rakewell, Laura Claycomb as Anne Trulove, and William Shimell as Nick Shadow. The Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of La Monnaie-De Munt are expertly led by Kazushi Ono, whose energetic musical direction brings Stravinsky’s sparkling score to life.

Recorded in high-definition and surround sound, this 2-DVD set includes extensive bonus material, offering a deeper insight into the opera’s staging, costumes, and production.

Interesting Facts

• The Rake's Progress premiered in 1951 at La Fenice in Venice. Stravinsky collaborated with W.H. Auden and Chester Kallman to create the opera’s libretto, which tells the cautionary tale of Tom Rakewell’s downfall, inspired by the Hogarth paintings of the same name.
• Robert Lepage, known for his groundbreaking work in opera and theater, reimagines the story by setting it in 1950s Las Vegas, a vibrant metaphor for Tom Rakewell’s descent into moral and financial ruin.
• The visual design by Carl Fillion and the lighting by Etienne Boucher evoke a dreamlike, surreal atmosphere, while the costumes designed by François Barbeau reflect the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas setting.
• Kazushi Ono, a celebrated conductor, brings out the delicate balance of Stravinsky’s neo-classical score, which is filled with wit, energy, and emotional depth.
• The production’s additional features provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, including interviews with Robert Lepage, rehearsal footage, and storyboards, offering a comprehensive view of the opera’s intricate development.

Track Listing

DVD 1

1. Act I
2. Act II

DVD 2

1. Act III
2. Closing Credits

Bonus Features:

• Illustrated synopsis
• Cast gallery
• Interview with Robert Lepage
• Insight into rehearsals, costumes, and make-up
• Storyboards

Publishers

• Label: Opus Arte
• Release Year: 2008 (Live Recording from La Monnaie-De Munt, Brussels)

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