Benjamin Britten, English Chamber Orchestra, Peter Pears - Mozart: Idomeneo (2008/1969)
Benjamin Britten, English Chamber Orchestra, Peter Pears - Mozart: Idomeneo (2008/1969)
NTSC 4:3 (720x480) | English (LinearPCM, 2 ch) | (Dolby AC3, 6 ch) | 6.79 Gb+4.03 Gb (DVD9+DVD5) | 164 min
Classical | DECCA | Sub: English, Francais, Deutsch, Espanol, Chinese
NTSC 4:3 (720x480) | English (LinearPCM, 2 ch) | (Dolby AC3, 6 ch) | 6.79 Gb+4.03 Gb (DVD9+DVD5) | 164 min
Classical | DECCA | Sub: English, Francais, Deutsch, Espanol, Chinese
This DVD of the recently issued Britten/Pears mini series recorded by the BBC for television way back in the 1960's and the 70's is for all intents and purposes another resounding success. All four priceless documents were thought lost, but this Idomeneo seems to have had a charmed life more than others. Indeed, three days before the Aldeburgh première, the hall was left in cinders and it is something of a miracle that the television production could actually go ahead.
First broadcast in May 1970, critics and viewers alike were unanimous in their praise. Sung in English to a version prepared by Maisie and Evelyn Radford, Mozart's first operatic masterpiece is even more telling. A lot of credit should go to Britten himself, who not only conducted with committed ardour, but also prepared a musical edition all of his own. The staging has a classical dignity and avoids austerity altogether and both Pears and Harper give impressive performances. (Gerald Fenech)
Cast:
Idomeneo - Peter Pears
Idamante - Anne Pashley
Ilia - Heather Harper
Elettra - Rae Woodland
Arbace - Robert Tear
High Priest - Andrew Williams
Voice of Neptune - Paul Nemeer
English Chamber Orchestra
Conductor - Benjamin Britten
Benjamin Britten, English Chamber Orchestra, Peter Pears - Mozart: Idomeneo (2008/1969)
Benjamin Britten, English Chamber Orchestra, Peter Pears - Mozart: Idomeneo (2008/1969)
Benjamin Britten, English Chamber Orchestra, Peter Pears - Mozart: Idomeneo (2008/1969)
Benjamin Britten, English Chamber Orchestra, Peter Pears - Mozart: Idomeneo (2008/1969)
Benjamin Britten, English Chamber Orchestra, Peter Pears - Mozart: Idomeneo (2008/1969)
