Death in Venice

Composer Benjamin Britten wrote specifically for the mature tenor voice of Peter Pears, who was the original Gustav von Aschenbach in this opera based on Thomas Mann's titular novella, which tells the story of an aging writer who visits Venice and struggles with the disturbing emotions that arise as he becomes obsessed with a beautiful young boy. Robert Gard assumes the role here, with John Shirley-Quirk, the original “Traveler,” repeating his performance, and Steuart Bedford, who worked with Britten on the debut, conducting the English Chamber Orchestra. An atmospheric, at times phantasmagoric drama, this is ideally suited to the medium of film, and here the haunting, beautifully photographed scenes of Venice, powerfully dramatic singing and acting, and Britten's spare but eloquent score fuse into one compelling odyssey of self-discovery and self-destruction. The less than pristine transfer of a 20-year-old production as well as the odor of ephebephilia in the plot are drawbacks in what is otherwise as close to perfection as faulty technology and modern sensibilities regarding adult-teen infatuation will allow. With these caveats, it is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)