Title: A masterpiece masterfully done
Product review: Belshazzar comes towards the end of Handel's career. He had given up opera for oratorio. And his oratorios here come close to opera. Indeed Semele and Hercules from the same period have frequently been produced as operas. These works freed Handel from the restraints of baroque opera. So he could focus more on the drama.In Belshazzar it all comes together. It's a Handel music drama, and it's a marvel. Glorious music. Good drama. Jacobs and his troop do a superb job. The production is minimal but quite effective. It furthers the plot rather than going against it as so many productions do todaty. No trenchcoats.If you like Handel you must see this production. And if you think that Italian baroque is not your cup of tea, you will still be enchanted with Berlshazzar. There are no extras but the included booklet is very good.
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