Il Giasone

The works of Francesco Cavalli (1602–1676)—who along with Monteverdi dominated early Venetian opera—continue to enjoy a renaissance, with this 1649 tragicomedy joining the recent issues of Ercole Amante (VL-7/10) and La Virtù de' Strali d'Amore (VL-5/12) on disc. Telling the story of Jason's seduction by Medea during his quest for the Golden Fleece—coupled with the pain it causes for his fiancée, Isifile, and Medea's admirer, Egeo—this 2010 production from Antwerp's Vlaamse Opera is hardly opulent: the unvaried set appears to be an industrial dockyard of ramps and metal containers, while the costumes, which include sports T-shirts, kilts, and some strange headgear and masks, are often ugly. But the singing is mostly reliable, with Christophe Dumaux demonstrating a powerful countertenor as Jason, while mezzo Katarina Bradic as Medea and soprano Robin Johannsen as Isifile offer solid support. The cast is ably accompanied by conductor Federico Maria Sardelli, who elicits stylish playing from the company orchestra in both the more sensual music and the sprightly dances. Cavalli's combination of recitative and short ariosi won't necessarily appeal to lovers of Verdi or Puccini, and the subplots devoted to comic servants and a whining hunchback grow a bit tiresome, but this is at least a serviceable version of a once-popular work by a still-neglected master. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include a brief interview with director Mariame Clément. Recommended. (F. Swietek)