Caravaggio

Filmed during its world premiere in December 2008 in Berlin, the two-act ballet Caravaggio—choreographed by Mauro Bigonzetti—is an artistic tour de force in which musical composition, costume, lighting, and performance all come together to bring the titular artist's works to life. Born Michelangelo Merisi, the controversial 16th-century Italian painter Caravaggio's art embraced both the sacred and the profane, although he would fall into obscurity until the 20th century. Set to a new score by Bruno Monetti (who was inspired by the baroque music of composer Claudio Monteverdi, a contemporary of Caravaggio), the ballet's first act finds Caravaggio (Vladimir Malakhov) working with light in his work—with flowing scenes incorporating subjects (street people, a fortune teller, card sharps) and themes from his compositions—while the second act turns to the artist's depiction of the martyrdom of St. Matthew. The dancers of the Staatsballett Berlin, whose costumes and stances mirror those of the paintings, execute the demanding choreography with athleticism, grace, and sensitivity. Director Andreas Morell clearly captures the performance (including overhead shots that reveal the patterns of movement), although the flow is occasionally interrupted with extreme close-ups. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS, and PCM stereo, DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette with interviews of the choreographer, composer, and soloists, as well as backstage and rehearsal footage. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)