Julius Caesar / by George Frederic Handel ; libretto by Nicola Haym ; in the edition by Sir Charles Mackerras and Noel Davies ; English translation by Brian Trowell ; produced by RM Arts in association with Channel Four.
Opera in three acts. Originally released on videocassette and laser optical disc: c1984. Janet Baker, mezzo-soprano (Julius Caesar) ; Valerie Masterson, soprano (Cleopatra) ; Sarah Walker, mezzo-soprano (Cornelia) ; Della Jones, mezzo-soprano (Sextus) ; James Bowman, countertenor (Ptolemy) ; John Tomlinson, bass (Achillas) ; John Kitchiner, baritone (Curio) ; Tom Emlyn Williams, baritone (Nirenus) ; with supporting soloists ; Orchestra and Chorus of The English National Opera ; Charles Mackerras, conductor. Recorded at Limehouse Studios in London's Docklands.
Summary:
A studio performance of one of Handel's best known operas by the English National Opera. The opera, a tale of love and power based on Shakespeare's play, was first performed in 1724 at the Haymarket Theatre in London using castrati singers in the heroes' roles. This production follows modern practice in using women in these parts, and in particular, Dame Janet Baker creates the virtuoso role of Julius Caesar.
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