Rossini: Ciro in Babilonia - BluRay

ENGLISH

Rossini: Ciro in Babilonia (OABD7123D) (2012)<br /> <br /> Michael Spyres (Baldassare); Ewa Podleś (Ciro); Jessica Pratt (Amira); Carmen Romeu (Argene); Mirco Palazzi (Zambri); Robert McPherson (Arbace); Raffaele Costantin (Daniello); Coro del Teatro Comunale di Bologna; Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna; Will Crutchfield<br /> <br /> The Biblical story of Belshazzar’s hubristic arrogance, set against the valour of the young<br /> warrrior-leader Cyrus, provided the 20-year-old Rossini with a dramatic story enriched by<br /> West-Eastern implications which still speak to us today. For the title role of Cyrus, Rossini wrote what would be his longest-ever contralto role, to which the great Rossini singer Ewa Podles´ is both naturally attracted and ideally suited. She is partnered by two young stars of Rossini singing, Jessica Pratt and Michael Spyres, and a conductor-scholar, Will Crutchfield, of great experience and sympathy. Filmed in High Definition and recorded in true Surround Sound.<br /> <br /> "In the title role, the booming contralto Ewa Podles gives the kind of old-style, intensely felt performance that is her trademark. As Amira, the soprano Jessica Pratt established herself in two daunting arias as a brilliant new presence on the bel canto scene." (The New York Times)<br /> <br /> "The Polish contralto, Ewa Podles, made a great impression in the title role." (Seen and Heard International)<br /> <br /> "An all around successful production, performance and recording." (Opernnetz)<br /> <br /> "Never has opera seria been such a hoot. There are some very fine performances, especially from the leading trio in the cast. Podles makes for a feisty Ciro, her black treacle contralto imperious ... Jessica Pratt's Amira is excellent ... while Spyres excels ..." (International Record Review)<br /> <br /> "A most welcome addition to the repertoire - ideally cast and realised." (Der neue Merkur)