Semele: Carsen Christie / Scintilla O Bartoli Nikiteanu Remmert

please note: this Blu-ray disc - BD is not compatible with standard DVD players

George Frideric Handel
Semele - complete, sung in English

Cecilia Bartoli
Birgit Remmert
Isabel Rey
Liliana Nikiteanu

Orchestra La Scintilla Zurich
William Christie, conductor

Recorded: Zurich Opera House Jan- 2007
filmed in High Definition Widescreen

It is presented in Robert Carsen's stylish modern dress production, originally seen in London, and most recently staged at the Zurich Opera in 2007. Conceived as an oratorio but nowadays presented as a stage drama, it is a superb vehicle for all the principals.

The drama tells of the ambition of the beautiful mortal, Semele, who, not satisfied with being Jupiter's mistress, strives with fatal results to supplant Jupiter’s wife, Juno. It includes such popular arias as 'Endless pleasure' and 'Myself I shall adore'. Robert Carsen's acclaimed staging hints at parallels with the problematic relationship between the late Princess Diana and the British Royal Family. Outstanding orchestral accompaniment comes from the renowned combination of William Christie and La Scintilla.