Idomeneo

Idomeneo, Mozart's most notable opera seria, was first performed in Munich in 1781, but not seen in America until 1947. Set in 1,200 B.C. Crete, Idomeneo finds the titular king about to make his triumphant return from the Trojan wars. Although nearly lost at sea, Idomeneo was saved by Neptune…with the promise to sacrifice the first person he encounters in Crete as an expression of gratitude. Unfortunately, that person turns out to be his son, Idamante, who is also caught in a romantic triangle with the captive Trojan princess Ilia and Princess Elettra. All eventually ends happily, with Idomeneo abdicating his throne and giving his blessing to Idamante and Ilia, but not before the requisite storms—both physical and psychological—finish playing out. A 2008 production mounted at the beautiful Cuvilliés Theatre in Munich, Idomeneo is ably performed by the cast, which includes John Mark Ainsley as Idomeneo, Pavol Breslik as Idamante, Juliane Banse as Ilia, and Annette Dasch as Elettra, while conductor Kent Nagano leads the Bayerisches Staatsorchester. Performed on a simple set with singers clad in a strange mixture of futuristic and peasant-style costumes, Idomeneo is presented with Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS, and PCM stereo options. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)