Ercole Amante

Luca Pisaroni (Ercole), Veronica Cangemi (Iole), Anna Bonitatibus (Giunone), Jeremy Ovenden (Hyllo), Anna Maria Panzarella (Deianira), Marlin Miller (Licco), Umberto Chiummo (Nettuno/Tevere/Spirit of Eutyro), Wilke te Brummelstroete (Bellezza/Venere), Johannette Zomer (Cinzia/Parsitea/Spirit of Clerica), Mark Tucker (Mercurio/Spirit of Laomedonte) & Tim Mead (Paggio/Spirit of Bussiride) & Concerto Köln & Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera, Ivor Bolton (conductor) & David Alden (stage director)

This hilarious contemporary version of Francesco Cavalli’s baroque opera Hercules in Love was commissioned on occasion of the marriage of Louis XIV, the Sun King, to Maria Theresa of Spain. The original production took two years to complete and was at the time the greatest show ever performed in Europe. Directed by David Alden, this surreal production is a triumph of commedia buffa resplendent with decorative and symbolic elements, and complemented by Constance Hoffman’s exceptional costumes. Led by Ivor Bolton, a master of baroque music, the chorus of De Nederlandse Opera and Concerto Köln give a sublime performance. With Luca Pisaroni’s (Ercole) singing being heroic and melodious in turn, and Veronica Cangemi as a splendid Iole, this is an outstanding production by the DNO. Filmed in High Definition and surround sound.

Extra features:
Illustrated synopsis / Cast gallery / Behind the scenes with Johanette Zomer & with Luca Pisaroni / The making of Ercole Amante.

Region code All regions / Picture format 16:9 Anamorphic / Sound format 2.0 & 5.0 PCM

Menu language EN / Subtitles EN/FR/DE/ES/IT/NL

Cavalli:
 Ercole Amante

"The production, like the piece, is moving, funny and literally action-packed. Alden knows well when to fill or empty his stage....Bolton leads his large authentic-instrument forces with gusto...Hugely recommended."
Gramophone Magazine - June 2010

"This is a ravishing production in every department - scenery, stage effects, costumes, dancing, acting and music. Luca Pisaroni is an assured and vigorous Hercules...but it is Cavalli's women who steal the show...this is an enterprising, entertaining and enlightening offering from Amsterdam."
BBC Music Magazine - August 2010 ****