Francesco Cavalli: La Didone

It’s human among the gods. Brilliant performance by the Venetian baroque opera. “Cast and orchestra in top form and with perfect sound…” (Opéra magazine) “La Didone” as co-production with the Théâtre de Caën, which is also the seat of William Christie’s baroque ensemble “Les Arts Rlorissants”. Francesco Cavalli, Monteverdi’s pupil in the Venetian opera and the most important opera author between him and Handel, premiered his “La Didone” at the Carnival in 1641. Despite Monteverdi, the opera was still in its infancy. Clément Hervieu-Léger, who perfected his craft as Patrice Chéreau’s assistant in major productions in Milan, Aix and Paris, presented his first independent opera direction with this production and immediately scored a direct hit.

Recorded live at the Théâtre de Caen, October 2011.