Product Review

The Biblical story of Belshazzar's hubristic arrogance, set against the valour of the young warrrior-leader Cyrus, provided the 20-year-old Rossini with a dramatic story enriched by West-Eastern implications which still speak to us today. For the title role of Cyrus, Rossini wrote what would be his longest-ever contralto role, to which the great Rossini singer Ewa Podles´ is both naturally attracted and ideally suited. She is partnered by two young stars of Rossini singing, Jessica Pratt and Michael Spyres, and a conductor-scholar, Will Crutchfield, of great experience and sympathy. Filmed in High Definition and recorded in true Surround Sound.

"The Polish contralto, Ewa Podles, made a great impression in the title role." (Seen and Heard International)

"An all around successful production, performance and recording." (Opernnetz)

"Never has opera seria been such a hoot. There are some very fine performances, especially from the leading trio in the cast. Podles makes for a feisty Ciro, her black treacle contralto imperious ... Jessica Pratt's Amira is excellent ... while Spyres excels ..." (International Record Review)

"A most welcome addition to the repertoire - ideally cast and realised." (Der neue Merkur)

Production
Company: Rossini Opera Festival, Pesaro
Stage Director: Davide Livermore
Television Director: Daniele Biggiero

Disc Information
Catalogue Number: OABD7123D
Date of Performance: 2012
Running Time: 165 minutes
Sound: 2.0LPCM + 5.1(5.0) DTS
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Subtitles: EN; FR; DE; JP; KR
Label: Opus Arte