Overview

Jacques Offenbach's La Belle H l ne (1864) has always been one of it's composer's most successful works. It's first, slightly scandalizing performance in Paris was quickly followed by productions in Vienna, Berlin, London, Milan and New York. A satire of middle-class values, this op ra bouffe - told through the story of Paris and Helen, and her abduction by the Trojan prince disguised as a shepherd - pillories narrow-mindedness in society. Adopting a pro-active stance, director Renaud Doucet and designer Andr Barbe treat the piece as a "great show" with numerous choreographic elements, relocating the action of Offenbach's classical spoof and setting it on a cruise ship in the 1960s, when Flower Power, love and drugs were all the rage. "La Belle H l ne is a firework display for ears and eyes..." (Hamburger Morgenpost), "opulent and amusing" (Bild), and, in the title role, Jennifer Larmore convinces with her "fantastic vocal performance." (Das Opernglas)

Key Details

• Format: DVD
• Number of discs: 1
• Label: C MAJOR
• Genre/category: CLASSICAL, ORCHESTRAL & SYMPHONIC
• Release date: 7/31/2015
• Available quantity: 11