Movie spotlight
Les Troyens
After the destruction of Troy, the Trojan warrior Énée sets out on a journey to found a new dynasty. He meets Didon, Queen of Carthage, and falls in love. But will Énée's love for Didon prove stronger than his sense of duty? LES TROYENS ('The Trojans') is a tour de force of music that ranges from fiery military marches to intense choruses, passionate soliloquies – such as those of the prophetess Cassandre – and the lyrical love duets of Didon and Énée. It is Hector Berlioz's largest work and he wrote the libretto himself, drawing upon his intimate knowledge of Virgil's Aeneid. To the composer's disappointment, LES TROYENS was only performed once in full during his lifetime and was often presented in shortened form during the 20th century. The Royal Opera's production provides a rare chance to see this epic work in its entirety. David McVicar's staging is on an enormous scale, assembling one of the largest casts ever seen at Covent Garden.
Insights
Plot Summary
This epic opera, based on Virgil's Aeneid, chronicles the final days of Troy and the subsequent journey of Aeneas. It depicts the fall of the city to the Greeks, the tragic love affair between the Trojan princess Cassandra and the Greek hero Coroebus, and the doomed romance between the Trojan queen Dido and the Trojan hero Aeneas.
Critical Reception
The 2012 production of 'Les Troyens' at the Théâtre du Châtelet was widely acclaimed for its ambitious scale, vocal performances, and innovative staging. Critics praised the grandeur of Berlioz's score and the power of the dramatic interpretations, particularly from the lead roles. It is considered a significant operatic event, successfully bringing a monumental work to life.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its monumental scale and faithful rendition of Berlioz's masterpiece.
Hailed for strong vocal performances, especially from the lead protagonists.
Noted for its intelligent and impactful direction and staging.
Google audience: Audience reception for this specific production is not widely aggregated on Google. However, 'Les Troyens' as an opera is generally revered for its dramatic power and musical richness.
Awards & Accolades
None notable for this specific 2012 production, though the opera itself is a cornerstone of the repertoire and has received numerous awards over its history.
Fun Fact
Hector Berlioz, the composer, considered 'Les Troyens' his magnum opus and intended it to be performed as a single, continuous work, a vision that was not realized during his lifetime due to its immense length.
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