Description

Jean-Philippe Rameau: Castor et Pollux - De Nederlandse Opera (2-DVD Set)

UPC: 809478009993

Product Features

Composer: Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
Opera: Castor et Pollux (1754 version)
Conductor: Christophe Rousset
Orchestra: Les Talens Lyriques
Chorus: Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera
Stage Director: Pierre Audi
Set & Costume Design: Patrick Kinmonth
Choreography: Amir Hosseinpour
Cast:Picture Format: 16:9 Anamorphic, NTSC
- Castor: Finnur Bjarnason
- Pollux: Henk Neven
- Télaire: Anna Maria Panzarella
- Phébé: Véronique Gens
- Cléone: Judith van Wanroij
- Jupiter: Nicolas Testé
- High Priest: Thomas Oliemans
- Mercury: Anders J. Dahlin
Sound Formats: LPCM Stereo, DTS Surround Sound
Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch
Region Code: All Regions
Running Time: Approx. 155 minutes

Overview

Jean-Philippe Rameau's Castor et Pollux, one of the pinnacles of the tragédie lyrique genre, tells the moving story of the twin brothers Castor and Pollux, whose love transcends life and death. This acclaimed production from De Nederlandse Opera, directed by Pierre Audi, blends the baroque with modern stagecraft, presenting the mythical tale of sacrifice and eternal love. When Castor is killed defending his beloved Télaire, his immortal brother Pollux offers to give up his immortality to bring Castor back from the Underworld. The opera culminates with the brothers being transformed into the constellation Gemini, united forever.

Christophe Rousset, a specialist in baroque music, conducts Les Talens Lyriques with precision and energy, while the stellar cast, led by Finnur Bjarnason and Henk Neven, brings emotional depth to this classic work. The production’s striking sets, featuring stylized constellations, add a 21st-century baroque flair to the performance.

Interesting Facts

Pierre Audi's direction of Castor et Pollux received critical acclaim for its innovative staging, blending traditional baroque aesthetics with contemporary visuals.
The opera is based on Greek mythology and explores themes of love, sacrifice, and immortality.
Christophe Rousset is a renowned conductor and harpsichordist, specializing in French baroque music, particularly Rameau's works.
Véronique Gens, who plays Phébé, is one of the leading interpreters of French baroque opera.

Bonus Features

Illustrated synopsis
Cast gallery
Documentary: How to Serve this Big Spectacle – A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Castor et Pollux, featuring commentary from Pierre Audi and members of the cast and crew.