Josef Misliveček (1737-81), dubbed the “Divine Bohemian” by his contemporaries and a friend of Mozart, premiered his version of L’Olimpiade, in traditional Italian operatic style and with a libretto quite faithful to Metastasio’s original text, in 1778 in Naples, a city in which he experienced great audience appreciation. On November 23 and 25, 2012, the Teatro Comunale in Bologna hosted the first modern-day revival of the opera produced by the Scuola dell’Opera Italiana. Oliver von Dohnányi conducts the Orchestra e Coro del Teatro Comunale di Bologna.

A bold reinvention of a 19th-century classic. Kader Belarbi's fresh scenario and choreography give this colourful yet ultimately tragic story renewed clarity and simplicity. David Coleman conducts a score based on Adolphe Adam's original work, but enhanced with music by composers from Massenet to Sibelius, as well as new compositions and orchestrations by Coleman himself. This is a version for the modern age....'simply magnificent: A miracle in two acts.' - Le Figaro.

A bold reinvention of a 19th-century classic. Kader Belarbi's fresh scenario and choreography give this colourful yet ultimately tragic story renewed clarity and simplicity. David Coleman conducts a score based on Adolphe Adam's original work, but enhanced with music by composers from Massenet to Sibelius, as well as new compositions and orchestrations by Coleman himself. This is a version for the modern age....'simply magnificent: A miracle in two acts.' - Le Figaro.

Also available on Blu-ray

La Bête et la Belle is renowned French choreographer Kader Belarbi's compelling reimagining of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast - a psychological drama that explores the rejection or acceptance of difference, centring around Beauty's discovery of the depth of true love. First performed by the Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal in 2005. Théâtre du Capitole's reprise of Belarbi's acclaimed production has confirmed its status as among the best of modern ballets, combining stunning set and costume designs with striking choreography that reflects the unique soundscapes of the Ligeti-dominant musical score. Takafumi Watanabe and Julie Loria assume the lead roles in a production that instantly transports us into the beautiful dream world of this timeless masterpiece reinterpreted.

Three masterworks by Kader Belarbi shine in these stunning Ballet du Capitole productions. Hailed by Le Figaro as ''simply magnificent: a miracle in two acts'', Le Corsaire is a bold reinvention of a 19th-century classic. La Bete et la Belle - a compelling reimagining of the classic fiary tale Beauty and the Beast - had its place affirmed among hte best of modern ballets by Belarbi's much-lauded production for Theatre du Capitole. La Reine morte, based on Montherlant's play of the same name and set to an enchanting score by Tchaikovsky, tells the tragic story of King Peter I of Portugal's devotion to his beloved Ines.

Agostino Steffani was a musician, as well as an important state and church figure. Active in Munich, Hannover and Düsseldorf, he was highly appreciated also in London, where in 1727 the Academy of Vocal Music would make him honorary president. Baccanali, dating from 1695, is a series of reflections on the sentiments, joys and sorrows of man's life, made by eight characters set in a pastoral context. The Titan Atlas is entrusted with the prologue, which has the purpose of introducing to the events and summarizing their purpose: men should be granted a pause from their sufferings and labors at least during the days consecrated to Bacchus, the soother of all ills. Over witty verses, Steffani weaves a rich score, characterizsed by great writing variety. The young interpreters stand out not only for their beautiful voices but also for their reciting skills. The success of Baccanali must also be ascribed to the baton of Antonio Greco, who expertly leads the Cremona Antiqua Ensemble.

Three masterworks by Kader Belarbi shine in these stunning Ballet du Capitole productions. Hailed by Le Figaro as ''simply magnificent: a miracle in two acts'', Le Corsaire is a bold reinvention of a 19th-century classic. La Bete et la Belle - a compelling reimagining of the classic fiary tale Beauty and the Beast - had its place affirmed among hte best of modern ballets by Belarbi's much-lauded production for Theatre du Capitole. La Reine morte, based on Montherlant's play of the same name and set to an enchanting score by Tchaikovsky, tells the tragic story of King Peter I of Portugal's devotion to his beloved Ines.

Classical Music