Handel evidently managed to compose his epic piece over the course of a mere 20 days, which, considering the length of Tamerlano (this particular production clocks in at a bit over four hours), seems absolutely protean. The plot is the basic operatic staple of two mismatched couples who of course want other partners. In this case we have Tamerlano (Monica Bocelli, an alto taking over the role originally written for a castrato, per usual convention), Emperor of the Turks, who lusts after Asteria (Angela Bohlin), daughter of defeated Ottoman Emperor Bajazet (Placido Domingo). Asteria is, however, really in love with Andronico (Sara Mingardo), and Tamerlano seems to have completely forsaken the woman who really loves him, Irene (Jennifer Holloway). And so we get a familiar plot device wrapped up in an ostensibly Oriental package, something that no doubt delighted audiences in Handel's day, and has continued to bring new listeners to one of Handel's most assured and impressive pieces of writing.

What will probably bring most viewers and listeners to this particular 2008 production is the presence of Placido Domingo, essaying his first Baroque operatic role. It turns out to be a wonderful choice, with Domingo's still rich and pliant tenor easily gliding through Handel's melismas and making the most of such impressive arias as "Forte e lieto a morte andrei." Those unaccustomed to the operatic conceit of using women to play roles originally written for castrati may find it a bit harder to swallow Bocelli and Mingardo in their roles, but the entire cast actually acquits itself quite well, and all of the principals sing magnficiently.

This is also a very interesting and spare physical production with just enough flashes of wit and style to keep the eye entertained. The main set piece of the entire opera is a huge globe with a foot placed atop it, evidently an allusion to the Turks defeating the Ottomans. And while the bulk of the set tends to be in homogenous whites, brilliant flashes of color, as in a playful large blue elephant that makes a nice entrance in Act I, seem all the more colorful simply by way of contrast.

Paul McCreesh guides the orchestra of the Teatro Real with assurance, and delivers a rich and satisfying sound (on contemporary instruments, so none of the dry Baroque string sounds). The orchestra is extremely well balanced and Handel's unending supply of contrapuntal genius is given an abundantly clear performance here.

The only real drawback to Tamerlano is its unremitting length. Handel actually went back to the drawing board several times through his career and cut large swaths of the opera out of various performing versions, but this one seems to have it all, and then some. It's probably best taken in smaller doses--say, an act at a time, with an interval in between. That gives the viewer time to digest Handel's surprisingly intense and florid music without succumbing to the malaise of wondering if all this gorgeousness is ever going to end.

Tamerlano is a beautiful piece, full of Handel's exquisite melodies and harmonic invention, and this unadorned, yet slyly playful, production brings it home in an appealing and attractive package, with a very impressive performance by Domingo.

The Blu-ray

Video:
Tamerlano arrives in a nicely crisp 1.78:1 (1080i, as most of these live opera BDs tend to be) transfer with an AVC codec. Whites are very impressive here, with no blooming despite the stage being overrun with various light shades at times. What colors there are are very well saturated and all detail is extremely crisp. There are some actual stage lighting issues which keep this BD from a higher overall score--faces fall into shadow and some action is bathed in darkness.

Sound:
Both the uncompressed PCM 5.0 and 2.0 mixes are outstanding, with excellent balance and top-notch fidelity. The 5.0 actually tends to let some of the singing get a bit lost in the overall spaciousness of the sound design, so you may end up preferring the 2.0, but both deliver excellent range with absolutely no distortion or other problems. English, French, German and Spanish subtitles are available.

Extras:
As usual with these OpusArte releases, you get an illustrated synopsis and a cast gallery. There's also a nice interview with McCreesh and a great insert booklet with an excellent essay by Juan Jose Carreras.

Final Thoughts:
Tamerlano remains one of the glories of the Baroque opera repertoire, and this is about as excellent a production as you could hope for. Nothing is "tricked out," but there's enough innovation and fun in the visual presentation to keep boredom from setting in. Due to its rather overpowering length, first-timers are advised to take this in smaller doses, but for everyone with a love of fine music, this BD is Highly Recommended.

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"G-d made stars galore" & "Hey, what kind of a crappy fortune is this?" ZMK, modern prophet