Written on Skin

Contemporary British composer George Benjamin's first full-scale opera—seen here in its 2013 debut performance at the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden—is an extremely powerful work. The libretto is based on a legend about a 13th-century troubadour who is murdered by a nobleman, a man who not only suspected the bard of seducing his wife, but also feeds his spouse the dead poet's heart, which leads to her suicide. In Martin Crimp's adaptation, the young troubadour is hired by the powerful Protector to create an illuminated manuscript honoring his family—a task that brings the lad into contact with his patron's wife, sparking an attraction that will ultimately lead to tragedy. As the drama unfolds, a chorus of angels comments upon both the action and the art that initiates it. Despite the familiar romantic-triangle narrative, no one will confuse Benjamin's work with someone like Puccini or Strauss; his music is abrasively modern, but also intricate and exotically orchestrated, at one point even employing a glass harmonica. The score is conducted by Benjamin himself, with Christopher Purves (The Protector), Barbara Hannigan (his wife, Agnès), and Bejun Mehta (the Boy) bringing full commitment to the demanding vocals. The production also sports an attractive set and simple but appropriate costumes. While impossible to predict whether Written on Skin will endure, this beautifully filmed staging gives the work a superb send-off. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray version) and LPCM stereo, extras include an intro, a cast gallery, and an interview with Benjamin. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)