Julius Caesar

The English National Opera's acclaimed 1984 staging of Handel's opera Julius Caesar, under the direction of John Copley, was expertly adapted into this made-for-television production. John Michael Phillips directed the video transfer with intelligent camera movements and scene blocking that expertly camouflage the more visually stagnant aspects of the Copley staging (performers often stand stolidly while offering their arias). Mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker stars in the title role (Handel conceived the part for a castrato), and she offers a marvelously focused interpretation of the Roman general on his march to glory in Egypt. Actually, having a woman play Julius Caesar is far less bizarre than having Cleopatra wear the aristocratic clothing of 18th-century Europe, as is the case here, with Michael Stennett's costuming. Valerie Masterson's Egyptian queen may seem somewhat matronly for a seductress, but she matches Baker's strong presence and this highly unlikely duo create a memorable clash of larger-than-life personalities engaged in a tricky mix of political and emotional power games. With Charles Mackerras conducting the English National Opera Chorus and Orchestra, this is something of a bare-bones offering, presented with only an LPCM stereo soundtrack. Still, this is a fine endeavor, easily recommended. (P. Hall)