| Label: BBC OPUS ARTE
Catalog: OABD7136D
Format: BLU RAY Christopher Purves (Protector), Barbara Hannigan (Agnès), Bejun Mehta (First Angel/Boy), Victoria Simmonds (Second Angel/Marie) & Allan Clayton (Third Angel/John)
Royal Opera Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, George Benjamin (conductor) & Katie Mitchell (director)Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, March 2013 Gramophone Award Winner 2014 - Contemporary Recording
Text: Martin Crimp
When Written on Skin had its premiere at the 2012 Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, conducted by George Benjamin himself, it received a standing ovation. The opera's arrival at Covent Garden in 2013 was eagerly anticipated, and provided audiences with the opportunity to experience the work of two of Britain's greatest living artists. Benjamin previously collaborated with playwright Martin Crimp on Into the Little Hill, a magical retelling of the Pied Piper fairytale, and for this new work they joined forces with acclaimed stage director Katie Mitchell. For all three, the production marked their main-stage debut at the Royal Opera House.
The tale, inspired by a medieval legend, tells of an ill-fated troubadour, drawn into a liaison with an innocent maiden. But they are observed by the jealous eye of her protector, who wreaks a shocking revenge on the young couple.
Written on Skin draws on a 12th-century Occitan legend about the troubadour Guillaume de Cabestanh.
Extra features: Interview with George Benjamin, Introduction to Written on Skin and a Cast gallery.
Running time: 89 minutes
Subtitles EN/FR/DE/JA
Sound format: 2.0LPCM + 5.1(5.0) DTS  Price: $57.98 |
