Lully: Cadmus & Hermione
Label: ALPHA Catalog: ALPHA701 Format: DVD Film by Martin Fraudreau, led by Vincent Dumestre (musical direction) and Benjamin Lazar (stage management)One of the most beautiful Opera DVDs ever! It is very strange to describe the first viewing of Lully's 'Cadmus et Hermione' on the Alpha Label. This work is regarded as the first French 'Opera' and a collaboration between French Opera's dynamic Duo, composer Lully, and lyricist Quinault. I had experienced French Baroque Opera once or twice with mild enjoyment, but from the first note of 'Cadmus' I was drawn into a wonderous mix of music and drama. This production is quite simply one of the most beautiful opera productions of all time. The singing is gorgeous, the costumes are all tradition to the story, and the stage machines and effects are the original machines that Lully would have had, and the dancing and stage gersturing are Baroque. This preformance is the epitome of Baroque performance practice, and indeed, is a testament proving that the original ideas can work and be entertaining. The chamber orchestra that accompanies the singers and chorus is solid, and lead well by Vincent Dumestre, whose fluid conducting style is dance-like in motion and direction. The colours in this production are quite vivid and the film production is also top notch. This is an absolute must-have item for opera enthuisiasts. The music is gorgeous, and the singing and playing is impecable. It is an absolute gem! Price: $57.98 |