Monteverdi Cycle

Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) may not have been the “father of opera” in the strictest sense—other composers before him combined music and drama—but his operas are the earliest still extant in the repertory. Monteverdi Cycle features the composer's three surviving masterpieces—L'Orpheo (1607), Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria (1640) and L'incoronazione di Poppea (1643)—as well as his dramatic cantata Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda (1624). Ears that are accustomed to hearing the melodic richness and ripe orchestrations of the 19th century will need time to adjust to the sparer pre-Baroque style, but once attuned will be privy to much glorious music here. The singers, instrumentalists, and conductors vary from work to work, but are generally fine (with a few exceptions among the vocalists). All four entries, dating between 1993-98, are productions of De Nederlandse Opera and feature stage direction by Pierre Audi, whose elegant stylization lends a strong visual unity to the series while also incorporating some fiery pyrotechnics (and even, at one point, a live falcon). While there are other DVD editions of these works featuring individual singers who might have a slight edge over their counterparts here, the standard throughout this quartet (presented on seven discs) is extremely high, captured with excellent camerawork, and presented with DTS and LPCM stereo sound options. DVD extras for each work include an illustrated synopsis and cast gallery, as well as a “making-of” featurette with remarks by Audi, the conductors, and several of the singers. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)