Semele

About This Movie

So, here's the thing about 'Semele' from 2007—it's not just another opera on DVD. Cecilia Bartoli takes on the title role, which is kind of a bold move since it's more traditionally performed by sopranos. The atmosphere is both lush and intimate, with Handel's music enveloping you in a swirl of emotions, right? The pacing varies, flowing smoothly during the emotional arias but then suddenly shifting gears in some of the more dramatic moments. You’ve got these beautiful, well-known pieces like 'Endless pleasure, endless love' that Bartoli delivers with such flair. There’s something distinctly fresh about hearing it in English, which gives it a new life, compared to the usual performances in Italian or German. The production design, though not groundbreaking, complements the story's ethereal quality quite nicely.

Bartoli's performance is unique for a mezzo in this role.Features well-known arias that reveal emotional depth.Production offers a blend of intimacy and grandeur.