DNO presents a new production of Händel's last Italian opera, Deidamia, staged by the American David Alden. No known literary source has been linked directly to this opera, which is set at the time of the Trojan War. After an oracle has predicted the death of Achilles at Troy, Achilles disguises himself as a woman and takes refuge at the court of Lycomedes, whose daughter Deidamia falls in love with the young Greek. Amorous developments and tricks of disguise expose the truth and Achilles is forced to take his place at the side of his countrymen in the battle against the Trojans. Comedy and tragedy are bedfellows in this opera, and the title role in particular covers the entire expressive spectrum, from flirtatious love song to heartfelt lament.
Press Reviews
"With this production, the Netherlands Opera once again meets with distinction its obligation to perform Baroque works." (The New York Times)
"Alden's approach is lightly ironic, matching well with a piece that treats its material with a knowing air...Ivor Bolton and Concerto Koln provide the expert musical underpinning. Sally Matthews shines as a vocally and physically poised Deidamia, Olga Pasichnyk emphasises the lusty young man hiding beneath Achille's skirts, and Silvia Tro Santafe's Ulisse presents him with a credible rival.
" (BBC Music Magazine ★★★★)
"Sally Matthews is perfect as Deidamia: saucy in 'Nasconde l'usignol', heartfelt in 'M'hai resa infelice'...Ivor Bolton conducts with passion: splendid sforzandos in another intense aria, 'Se il timore'.
" (Gramophone)
"the performance is magnificent. Sally [Matthews] encompasses all the aspects of Deidamia with ease and confidence...Olga Pasichnyk is a delightfully tomboyish Achilles...this is a production that will gladden the heart of any Handelian, who may well be unfamiliar with a score that deserves far more attention than it has hitherto received
" (Musicweb International)
Cast
Sally Matthews (Deidamia)
Veronica Cangemi (Nerea)
Olga Pasichnyk (Achille)
Silvia Tro Santafé (Ulisse)
Andrew Foster-Williams (Fenice)
Umberto Chiummo (Licomede)
Concerto Köln; Ivor Bolton
Stage Director: David Alden
Catalogue Number: OABD7110D
Date of Performance: 2012
Running Time: 208 minutes
Sound: 2.0LPCM 5.1(5.0) DTS
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Subtitles: EN, FR, DE, NE
Label: Opus Arte
- Aspect Ratio : 1.78:1
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 5.31 x 0.55 x 6.77 inches; 3.32 ounces
- Media Format : Blu-ray
- Run time : 3 hours and 28 minutes
- Release date : October 29, 2012
- Actors : Sally Matthews, Veronica Cangemi, Olga Pasichnyk, Silvia Tro Santafé, Andrew Foster-Williams
- Subtitles: : English, German, French
- Language : Italian (DTS-HD 5.1), Italian (PCM 2.0 Stereo)
- Studio : Opus Arte
- Number of discs : 1
