Niccolò Jommelli (1714-1774) was one of the preeminent composers of his day (over 50 of his estimated 80 operas survive). Although some of his works are comic pieces, he specialized in opere serie like Il Vologeso, which was first performed at the Ludwigsburg palace of his patron in 1766 and is here presented in a 2015 production from the Staatsoper in Stuttgart (the duchy’s 18th-century capital). Written to a libretto that was also used by many other composers, the tale focuses on the titular Persian king (Sophie Marilley), who has supposedly fallen in battle against the Roman general Lucio Vero (Sebastian Kohlhepp), a man in love with Vologeso’s intended, Berenice (Ana Durlovski). But of course Vologeso is still alive, and after he and Berenice recognize one another, Lucio futilely tries to persuade her to choose him over her beloved. His lovestruck efforts are complicated, however, by the sudden arrival of his own betrothed, Lucilla (Helene Schneiderman), daughter of the emperor Marco Aurelio. She and Senator Flavio (Catriona Smith) are determined to convince Lucio to forget Berenice. This plot, which makes a hash of history, is told in typical opera seria fashion through a series of florid arias with only a few ensembles. But Jommelli was a fine craftsman, and while the numbers are formulaic, they are also unfailingly elegant. So too is the vocalism of Marilley, Kohlhepp, and Durlovski (Schneiderman and Smith are a mite wobbly). With sets and costumes that cleverly combine modern and classical touches, the production is anchored by the modestly-sized Staatsorchester Stuttgart, which is stylishly conducted by veteran Gabriele Ferro. Presented in DTS 5.1 and PCM stereo, this operatic rarity is recommended. (F. Swietek)
Il Vologeso
(2015) 183 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD or Blu-ray: $29.99. Unitel (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 33, Issue 5
Il Vologeso
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: