This performance of Dido and Aeneas, taken from a 1995 television production directed by Peter Maniura, and conducted by Richard Hickox, is a gorgeous realization of Purcell's masterpiece. Some performances of the opera run the risk of being primarily quaint and charming, but the gritty, unflinching naturalism of this production gives it an emotional realism that can feel almost shocking. Hickox has an exceptional cast of singing actors who are unfailingly convincing in drawing the audience into their world. Maria Ewing is ...
Read More
This performance of Dido and Aeneas, taken from a 1995 television production directed by Peter Maniura, and conducted by Richard Hickox, is a gorgeous realization of Purcell's masterpiece. Some performances of the opera run the risk of being primarily quaint and charming, but the gritty, unflinching naturalism of this production gives it an emotional realism that can feel almost shocking. Hickox has an exceptional cast of singing actors who are unfailingly convincing in drawing the audience into their world. Maria Ewing is a remarkable Dido, her expressive, plangent, and supple voice believably conveying the Queen's tender vulnerability, regal fury, and grief. Musically, Aeneas can be a cipher of a role, but Karl Daymond has a potent presence that gives him credible dramatic parity with the Queen of Carthage. Daymond's heroic, ringing baritone makes him a memorable and sympathetic Aeneas who loves Dido and is genuinely devastated at being compelled to leave her. Sally Burgess' Sorceress is beautifully...
Read Less
Portions of content provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2024 Rovi Corporation.