Dietrich Henschel (Orfeo), Maria Grazia Schiavo (Euridice), Sonia Prina (Messenger), Luigi De Donato (Caronte), Antonio Abete (Plutone), Hanna Bayodi (Ninfa), Xavier Sabata (Shepherd i), Cyril Auvity (Shepherd II, Spirit I), Juan Sancho (Shepherd III, Spirit II), Jonathan Sells (Shepherd IV, Spirit III), Ludovic Provost (Eco) & Agustín Prunell-Friend (Apollo)
Les Arts Florissants (Caen), Les Saqueboutiers (Toulouse)
This is the first recording in the complete Monteverdi cycle with William Christie and Les Arts Florissants, made possible by a three-year collaboration between Dynamic and Teatro Real.
Luigi Pizzi’s attractive and original staging is enhanced by the rich colour of 17th century costumes. The musicians - and Christie himself - also perform in costume, with the conductor clad in a flowing red cloak and white ruffed collar.
The DVD also features interviews with Christie, Pizzi and the Opera’s two protagonists.
“Les Arts Florissants and William Christie have an individualised spontaneity yet breathe as one.’ The Independent
Opera Now
Summer 2011
“The audience immediately feel part of the occasion - and what an occasion it is. The superb Les Arts Florissants, supplemented by the authentic instrument group Les Sacqueboutiers de Toulouse, produce an electric atmosphere. Dietrich Henschel is an imposing Orfeo...completely gripping.”
11th December 2009
****
“The subtlety of Henschel's acting matches the complexity of his vocal characterisation so that, by the end, you not only feel you've been taken on a vast journey from joy to grief and back again, but also believe that Orfeo's own music really has the power to affect both gods and nature...William Christie conducts Les Arts Florissants with exquisite refinement.”
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