Rossini: Ciro in Babilonia [Blu-ray]

Product Description

The Biblical story of Belshazzar's hubristic arrogance, set against the valour of the young warrrior-leader Cyrus, provided the 20-year-old Rossini with a dramatic story enriched by West-Eastern implications which still speak to us today. For the title role of Cyrus, Rossini wrote what would be his longest-ever contralto role, to which the great Rossini singer Ewa Podles´ is both naturally attracted and ideally suited. She is partnered by two young stars of Rossini singing, Jessica Pratt and Michael res, and a conductor-scholar, Will Crutchfield, of great experience and sympathy. Filmed in High Definition and recorded in true Surround Sound.

"The Polish contralto, Ewa Podles, made a great impression in the title role." (Seen and Heard International)

"An all around successful production, performance and ." (Opernnetz)

"Never has opera seria been such a hoot. There are some very fine performances, especially from the leading trio in the cast. Podles makes for a feisty Ciro, her black treacle contralto imperious ... Jessica Pratt's Amira is excellent ... while res excels ..." (International Record Review)

"A most welcome addition to the repertoire - ideally cast and realised." (Der neue Merkur)

Production
Company: Rossini Opera Festival, Pesaro
Stage Director: Davide Livermore
Television Director: Daniele Biggiero

Disc Information
Catalogue Number: OABD7123D
Date of Performance: 2012
Running Time: 165 minutes
Sound: 2.0LPCM + 5.1(5.0) DTS
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Subtitles: EN; FR; DE; JP; KR
Label: Opus Arte

Review

"The most thoroughly gripping performance is that of tenor Michael res (Belshazzar), as outlandishly crazy as one could wish but sung with beautiful line and astoundingly effective contrasts of register that echo those of Podles." --David Shengold, Opera News, January 2014