Birtwistle: The Minotaur

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Birtwistle: The Minotaur
Review added by
Alan Titherington

YouTube added by
Alan Titherington

FIlmed live at the Royal Opera House
Certificate: None
Running Time: 175 mins
Retail Price: £29.99
Release Date: 2008
Content Type: Musical Recording

Synopsis:
This world premiere of a gripping new work by composer Harrison Birtwistle and librettist David Harsent, commissioned by The Royal Opera, brings the monstrous, Greek mythological character to the stage. The Minotaur, part man, part beast, trapped in his labyrinth and constrained by his bloodthirsty role there, longs to discover his true identity and his own voice. Athens must pay a blood sacrifice to Crete and among the innocents is Theseus, who has come to challenge the violent Minotaur, but who also attracts the attention of Ariadne, half-sister and keeper of the monster; it is with her help he succeeds.

The Minotaur: John Tomlinson
Theseus: Johan Reuter
Ariadne: Christine Rice
Snake Priestess: Andrew Watts
Hiereus: Philip Langridge
Ker: Amanda Echalaz

The Royal Opera Chorus
The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Stage Director: Stephen Langridge

Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on the 25th & 30th April and 3rd May 2008.

Special Features:
Documentary: 'Myth is Universal'.
Illustrated synopsis & cast gallery.

Related Websites:
http://www.opusarte.com/
http://www.roh.org.uk/