Handel's Tamerlano
Graham Vick (stage director), Paul McCreesh (music director) – With Plácido Domingo (Bajazet), Jennifer Holloway (Irene), Sara Mingardo (Andronico) – Teatro Real Madrid
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Cast
Graham Vick — Stage director
Richard Hudson — Set designer, costume designer
Matthew Richardson — Lighting
Ron Howell — Choreographer
Monica Bacelli — Tamerlano
Plácido Domingo — Bajazet
Ingela Bohlin — Asteria
Sara Mingardo — Andronico
Jennifer Holloway — Irene
Luigi De Donato — Leone
Coro y Orquesta titular del Teatro Real (Coro Intermezzo y Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid)
Paul McCreesh — Music director
Program notes
The great Domingo plays the role of Bajazet, in a hugely memorable production of Tamerlano at the Teatro Real in Madrid.
The Ottoman empire has fallen and the emperor, Bajazet (Plácido Domingo), has been captured by the tyrant Tamerlano (Monica Bacelli), whom he despises. The defeated Bajazet contemplates suicide, but love for his daughter Asteria (Ingela Bohlin) weakens his resolve. Andronico (Sara Mingardo), Prince of Greece and ally of Tamerlano, is in love with Asteria and she with him. When Tamerlano gives him the newly conquered empire of Byzantium, Andronico asks only to remain at Tamerlano's side – really not wanting to leave Asteria...
It is often said that Tamerlano is not only one of Handel's greatest works, but also his darkest opera, which displays dramatically intense characters. Dominated by a Plácido Domingo at the peak of his powers, the cast features many of baroque music’s leading contemporary singers. The orchestra, playing on non-period instruments, is conducted with panache by Paul McCreesh.
Created in 2001 for the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, this production directed for stage by Graham Vick had remained unsurpassed ever since.
© Picture: Javier del Real