La Didone

The recent spate of releases devoted to the works of Francesco Cavalli (1602–1676)—Ercole Amante (VL-7/10), La Virtù de' Strali d'Amore (VL-5/12), and Il Giasone (VL-9/12)—continues with this superb reading of his take on Virgil's familiar story of Dido and Aeneas, which has inspired nearly a hundred operas over the years. Cavalli's interpretation is unusual in that the first act concentrates on Cassandra's trauma over the fall of Troy (which she was unable to prevent), while in the Carthage-set second, Dido doesn't die as a result of Aeneas's desertion, but instead weds the suitor she'd long rejected. Although coming early in the composer's career, this 1641 opera is musically mature, and performed vivaciously here, with William Christie conducting his period-instrument group Les Arts Florissants for this 2011 staging at the Theâtre de Caen. Christie catches every nuance in the score, and the orchestral work is complemented by excellent vocalism from the young cast, many of whom take multiple roles as both the mortals caught up in events and the gods and goddesses who intervene in human affairs. Particular standouts include Katherine Watson (Cassandra), Kresimir Spicer (Aeneas), and Anna Bonitatibus (Dido). The sets are spare—bare walls and scaffolding on which the deities stand—and the costumes are plain; but this is a musically vivid mounting that does Cavalli's third opera full justice. Presented in DTS. 5.1 and Dolby Digital stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include a cast gallery. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)