Tamerlano

Handel's 1724 opera Tamerlano features one of the most popular plots of the baroque era—the defeat of the Turkish sultan Bajazet by the Tartar warlord Tamerlane in 1402 (the subject of nearly 50 operas from the 18th century). The story is typically tangled: although betrothed to Irene, princess of Trebizond, Tamerlane desires Bajazet's daughter Asteria, who's loved by Andronico. Offers of marriage and power, assassination plots, and suicide pacts all figure prominently in the narrative, but while the libretto is no masterpiece, the music represents Handel in his prime, with a succession of gorgeous arias, lovingly scored. Filmed in 2008 at Madrid's Teatro Real, this is a simply but elegantly staged production with a somber single set and predominantly black-and-white costumes, with strategically placed splashes of color (mostly in the form of big stuffed elephants). Baroque specialist Paul McCreesh's conducting is stylish, and the vocals are strong, with mezzo Monica Bacelli especially striking in the title role. Unfortunately, although Plácido Domingo's ringing tenor remains a marvel at the age of 68, it's simply not flexible enough for Bajazet. And while McCreesh encourages the Madrid Symphony to eschew vibrato, the modern instrument group can't negotiate the notes with the same ease and richness of a period band (such as in Jonathan Miller's excellent version—reviewed in VL-1/03—that also features Bacelli). Still, this Tamerlano conveys the majesty of the piece, boasts excellent camerawork, and is backed by fine DTS surround and LPCM stereo soundtracks. DVD/Blu-ray extras include an illustrated synopsis, cast gallery, and an interview with McCreesh. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)