Berlioz: Les Troyens
Berlioz: Les Troyens

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Berlioz: Les Troyens

2003
Movie
314 min
French

This epic opera follows Virgil, beginning as the Greeks appear to have ceded the field after ten years of the Trojan War. Cassandra tries to warn of the terrible fate to come, but fate is set and Troy falls. The first two acts cover this tragic end, then the flight of survivors to Carthage and events at Carthage continue in acts 3 - 5, culminating in the further voyage for Italy and Rome. This is Virgil's classic epic, in operatic form, in about a three and a half hour performance from French Opera.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Director: David McVicarGenres: Opera, Classical, Drama

Plot Summary

Berlioz's epic opera Les Troyens recounts the tragic tale of the fall of Troy and the doomed love affair between the Trojan princess Cassandra and the Carthaginian queen Dido. The first half depicts the Trojans' escape from their city's destruction and their arrival in Carthage, where Dido falls for Aeneas. The second half focuses on Aeneas's eventual departure, Dido's despair, and the eventual Roman conquest.

Critical Reception

This production of Berlioz's monumental opera was widely acclaimed for its ambitious staging, powerful performances, and faithful rendition of the composer's complex score. Critics lauded the visual spectacle and the emotional depth brought forth by the cast and orchestra, solidifying its place as a significant operatic event.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its grand scale and dramatic intensity.

  • Applauded for the vocal prowess and dramatic commitment of the lead performers.

  • Recognized for its impressive and detailed production design.

Google audience: Audience reception for this production of 'Les Troyens' was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the immense scale and emotional impact of the opera. Viewers frequently highlighted the captivating performances and the stunning visual aspects of the staging.

Fun Fact

The 2003 production of 'Les Troyens' at the Metropolitan Opera was staged by David McVicar and featured a cast that included prominent singers like Deborah Voigt and Susan Graham, marking a significant event in the opera's performance history.

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