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 Spyres, and a conductor-scholar, Will Crutchfield, of great experience and sympathy. Filmed in High Definition and recorded in true Surround Sound. Press Reviews "In the title role, the booming contralto Ewa Podles gives the kind of old-style, intensely felt performance that is her trademark. As Amira, the soprano Jessica Pratt established herself in two daunting arias as a brilliant new presence on the bel canto scene." (The New York Times) "The Polish contralto, Ewa Podles, made a great impression in the title role." (Seen and Heard International) "An all around successful production, performance and recording." (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 Spyres excels ..." (International Record Review) "A most welcome addition to the repertoire - ideally cast and realised." (Der neue Merkur) Cast Michael Spyres (Baldassare) Ewa Podle? (Ciro) Jessica Pratt (Amira) Carmen Romeu (Argene) Mirco Palazzi (Zambri) Robert McPherson (Arbace) Raffaele Costantin (Daniello) Coro del Teatro Comunale di Bologna; Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna; Will Crutchfield ProductionCompany: Rossini Opera Festival, PesaroStage Director: Davide LivermoreTelevision Director: Daniele Biggiero Disc InformationCatalogue Number: OABD7123DDate of Performance: 2012Running Time: 165 minutesSound: 2.0LPCM + 5.1(5.0) DTSAspect Ratio: 16:9Subtitles: EN; FR; DE; JP; KR Label: Opus Arte Review "The most thoroughly gripping performance is that of tenor Michael Spyres (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, Op