Jonathan Kent’s spectacular production of Purcell’s huge semi-opera is joyous, imaginative and witty. Glyndebourne, with its intimate auditorium, provides the perfect setting for a drama which is partly spoken and partly sung. Based on an adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the story is lavished with a brilliance that justifies this production’s acclaim. Paul Brown’s inventive designs, Kim Brandstrup’s exquisite choreography, an excellent cast of actors and singers and outstanding playing by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment under William Christie combine to make a seamless theatrical experience, here recorded in High Definition and true surround sound.
Sopranos: Lucy Crowe, Claire Debono, Anna Devin, Helen-Jane Howells, Rachel Redmond, Carolyn Sampson
Tenors: Robert Burt, Sean Clayton, Ed Lyon, Adrian Ward
Baritones: Lukas Kargl, John Mackenzie
Basses: Desmond Barrit, Andrew Foster-Williams
Titania: Sally Dexter
Oberon: Joseph Millson
Bottom: Desmond Barrit
Puck: Jotham Annan
Hermia: Susannah Wise
Helena: Helen Bradbury
Demetrius: Oliver Le Suer
Lysander: Oliver Kieran Jones
The Glyndebourne Chorus
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Conductor: William Christie
Stage Director: Jonathan Kent
Recorded live at Glyndebourne Opera House, Lewes, East Sussex, on 17th & 19th July 2009.
Reviews
“There are too many highlights to mention in this varied and infinitely delightful entertainment. Glyndebourne has a triumph on its hands.”
The Stage
