HARRISON BIRTWISTLE

 

The Minotaur

 

The Minotaur......John Tomlinson

Theseus......Johan Reuter

Ariadne......Christine Rice

Snake Priestess......Andrew Watts

Hiereus......Philip Langridge

Ker......Amanda Echalaz

 

The Royal Opera Chorus

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Antonio Pappano

 

Stage Director - Stephen Langridge

 

Bonus material

Documentary ‘Myth is Universal'

Illustrated synopsis & cast gallery

 

Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on the 25th & 30th April and 3rd May 2008.

 

This world premiere of a gripping new work by composer Harrison Birtwistle and librettist David Harsent, commissioned by The Royal Opera, brings the monstrous, Greek mythological character to the stage. The Minotaur, part man, part beast, trapped in his labyrinth and constrained by his bloodthirsty role there, longs to discover his true identity and his own voice. Athens must pay a blood sacrifice to Crete and among the innocents is Theseus, who has come to challenge the violent Minotaur, but who also attracts the attention of Ariadne, half-sister and keeper of the monster; it is with her help he succeeds.

 

Running time: 175 mins

Region code: All regions

Picture format: 16:9 Anamorphic

Sound format: 2.0 LPCM Stereo / 5.0 DTS Surround

Menu language: EN/R/DE/ES/IT

Subtitles: EN/FR/DE/ES/IT

 

BBC Opus Arte 2DVDs OA1000D