Some time ago I taped off the Performance Channel a production of Dido and Aeneas by Purcell. Being the Performance channel it's shown about once every three months.
I actually wrote a rough draft of a review, then I thought, what's the point?
The dreadful production and the patchy singing (ie one or two decent singers, the others, especially Maria Ewing really bad) could not ruin beautiful music conducted gorgeously by Richard Hickox. But it wa sonly the music that survived.
Best aria When I am Laid in Earth is simply gorgeous. Shame Maria Ewing made such a pigs ear of it.
The only thing I can say is, whatever you do, do not watch this on the TV. You will not ever get that hour of your life back. Instead, I intend to buy a CD.
Opera Nights recommends thi sone conducted by René Jacobs, with the cast including, ooh, Gerald Finley. Conventional wisdom says it has to be this one with Janet Baker
The Performance Channel annoys me a lot. It has some absolute gems in its repertory but it seems to show a lot of rubbish they obviously acquired because it was cheap rather than it having any artistic merit.
In fact, it more than annoys me. Suppose someone were to watch that ghastly production of Dildo and Anus and think that's what Baroque Opera is all about? They'd be deterred for life. And that, to me, is verging on the criminal.
It's also available on video. Let's hope it never comes to DVD.
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