Movie spotlight
Berlioz: Les Troyens
Berlioz’s colossal masterpiece requires stupendous forces—dozens of soloists, enormous chorus, orchestra and ballet, a superb conductor who understands the uniqueness of the score—plus a production that does visual justice to the work. “A stupendous achievement” was one critic’s assessment of Peter Wexler’s inventive production. And with James Levine’s wizardry galvanizing the marvelous all-star cast, this is truly a gem. Plácido Domingo is the legendary hero Aeneas, Jessye Norman the obsessed prophetess Cassandra, and Tatiana Troyanos is Queen Dido, who commits suicide when Aeneas leaves her.
Insights
Plot Summary
This epic opera by Hector Berlioz, based on Virgil's Aeneid, chronicles the tragic love affair between the Trojan princess Cassandra and the Carthaginian queen Dido, interwoven with the fall of Troy and the subsequent destruction of Carthage. It is a monumental work depicting the grand sweep of ancient history and the devastating consequences of fate and passion.
Critical Reception
This production of Berlioz's 'Les Troyens' is widely regarded as a landmark achievement in opera filmmaking. It has been praised for its ambitious scale, powerful performances, and faithful rendition of Berlioz's complex score. Critics and audiences alike have lauded its visual splendor and the emotional depth brought forth by the cast, particularly Shirley Verrett in her iconic portrayal of Dido.
What Reviewers Say
A visually stunning and vocally impressive interpretation of Berlioz's masterpiece.
Shirley Verrett delivers a career-defining performance as Dido.
The film successfully captures the grandeur and emotional weight of the opera.
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Fun Fact
The opera 'Les Troyens' was originally conceived by Berlioz as a grand spectacle, and he intended it to be performed in two parts across two evenings, a vision that this 1983 film production aims to fulfill by presenting the complete work.
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