Ercole Amante

Product Description This hilarious contemporary version of Francesco Cavalli's baroque opera Hercules in Love was commissioned on occasion of the marriage of Louis XIV, the Sun King, to Maria Theresa of Spain. The original production took two years to complete and was at the time the greatest show ever performed in Europe. Directed by David Alden, this surreal production is a triumph of commedia buffa resplendent with decorative and symbolic elements, and complemented by Constance Hoffman's exceptional costumes. Led by Ivor Bolton, a master of baroque music, the chorus of De Nederlandse Opera and Concerto Köln give a sublime performance. With Luca Pisaroni's (Ercole) singing being heroic and melodious in turn, and Veronica Cangemi as a splendid Iole, this is an outstanding production by the DNO. Filmed in High Definition and surround sound. Press Reviews "This is a ravishing production in every department - scenery, stage effects, costumes, dancing, acting and music. Luca Pisaroni is an assured and vigorous Hercules - aided by action-man plastic muscles - but it is Cavalli's women who steal the show." (BBC Music Magazine) "The production, like the piece, is moving, funny and literally action-packed...Highly recommended." (Gramophone) Cast Luca Pisaroni (Ercole) Veronica Cangemi (Iole) Jeremy Ovenden (Illo) Anna Maria Panzarella (Deianira) Concerto Köln; Ivor Bolton ProductionCompany: De Nederlandse OperaStage Director: David Alden Disc InformationCatalogue Number: OA1020DRunning Time: 261 minutesSound: 2.0 & 5.0 PCMAspect Ratio: 16:9 AnamorphicSubtitles: EN. FR, DE, ES, IT, NLLabel: Opus Arte Review "When commissioned to write an opera as part of King Louis XIV's wedding celebrations, Francesco Cavalli and librettist Francesco Buti came up with Ercole Amante (Hercules in Love), a work that compares the French monarch and his bride, Maria Theresa of Spain, to the legendary hero and Hebe, goddess of beauty. In this version of the story, however, Hercules is already married and is a total jerk, even attempting to rape his own son's girlfriend. The opera was a flop when it was finally presented, after two years' delay, to the French court, and Cavalli returned in frustration to Italy. The opera has had a handful of revivals in modern times, but the Nederlandse Opera production, from January 2009, comes closest to the spirit and intention of the o