Hector Berlioz - Les Troyens (Theatre du Chatelet, Paris 2003) [Blu-ray] [2010]

Presented across two dual-layer BD50 Blu-ray discs, Berlioz's adaptation of Virgil's The Aeneid is truly an epic undertaking, both in terms of the production and the opera itself. His penultimate opera, Les Troyens is considered to be the composer's masterpiece, and indeed it brings together all the elements and the variety that is characteristic of Berlioz's range, from darkness to light, from blood and thunder to tender lyricism, with rousing choruses, dramatic singing performances, musical interludes and dance sequences.

Despite that, the opera was never performed in full during the lifetime of the composer, the first two acts dealing with the fall of Troy to the Greeks despite Cassandra's highly emotive premonitions of doom, excised in favour of the Trojans in Carthage section of Acts 3 to 5. There is certainly a strong division between the two parts, with many of the principal's inevitably dying at the sacking of Troy at the end of Act 2, including Cassandra and her lover Choreobus (Hector already dead before the start of the opera nevertheless makes a highly effective appearance at the start of the Second Act in the form of a projected apparition), but it's hard to imagine the opera feeling complete without the darkness and the powerful impact of the first half. Anna Caterina Antonacci, in particular, showing what the role of Cassandra has to offer the opera as a whole, a striking contrast to Susan Graham's Dido, who dominates the second half, though no less effectively.

As the surviving Trojans flee, they receive temporary shelter in the North African city of Carthage established recently by exiles from Tyre, under the rule of Queen Dido. Both exiles, the respective leaders of the two tribes, Aeneas and Dido, find comfort for their loss in love for each other, but only until the gods remind Aeneas of his duty to lead his people to Italy. In contrast to the opening acts, the second half of Les Troyens consequently covers a wider range of emotions and the musical accompaniment is likewise as broad and as colourful as the set designs for Carthage, the tone darkening again at the end in a manner that echoes the restored opening of the opera.

The 2003 production at the Châtelet in Paris is accordingly spectacular, the stage filled with movement and action, but never cluttered, the score dominated often by the power of the choral writing, but individual roles are strong and the performances are exceptional, Gregory Kunde a fine Aeneas to stand alongside Antonacci and Graham. Everything about the production, the orchestra under the direction of Sir John Eliot Gardiner, is of the highest order, every single scene offering something of fascination and wonder, whether it is in the music, the singing or the staging. But, particularly in this full version of Les Troyens, there is an overall impression of completeness here - total opera.

Les Troyens is perfectly presented on Blu-ray, the division between the two parts of the opera much better than on the 3-disc DVD edition. Act 1 and 2 are on the first disc along with the extra features, the other three acts on the second disc. Image and sound can hardly be faulted, the audio presented in PCM 2.0 and DTS HD Master Audio 5.1. The tone on the surround track is soft and warm rather than clean and precise, but the dynamic range is nonetheless excellent, handling the extremes well, and it is well suited to the arrangement. The hour-long documentary features contributions from the main performers and makes some interesting observations, but is over-long, being mostly made up of a complete walk-through of the synopsis by John Eliot Gardiner, illustrated with extended sequences from the opera.

Unusually, I would like to commence this review with an overall summary comment that in my opinion this is as fine as we have any right to expect with a sympathetic setting of the opera, excellent surround sound, sympathetic camera work and fine musical values throughout.

The opera is a complete dramatic work with extended dance and purely musical scenes or sections placed within the vocal parts. In this respect it is typical of the French approach to opera of the time as being a whole evening's entertainment but on a vastly greater scale than usual. The Russians share this comprehensive view too. This all-embracing concept suits the epic nature of the story of course.

Berlioz writes this in two parts which subdivide into 5 acts - the Greek's defeat by the Trojans followed by events in Carthage essentially concerning the doomed relationship between Queen Dido and Aeneas.

The production of this epic work is also suitably epic with full use made of the staging to create grandeur. The use of a mirrored wall in the first part is effective in increasing the sense of spectacle so that this is achieved without actual overcrowding. The second part by contrast, uses open spaces, clean cut colours and costuming to create a sense of an upwardly mobile and successful society.

The whole production is of extraordinary vision and rises impressively to scale all the heights. The cast is uniformly excellent throughout. Standout performances are given by Antonacci in the over-wrought role of Cassandra in the first part and this is matched by the conflicted role of Dido as portrayed by Graham. Gregory Kunde provides a good Aeneas in support and Tezier is a well-sung partner to Antonacci in the first part, even though I personally find that his regular lack of eye contact with those he is singing to is dramatically distracting. Still, this is just a personal view which may not be shared by others! All other supporting singers, including the chorus are of equally fine standards. The orchestra under the strong direction of Gardiner is excellent on their period instruments.

There is an extended documentary as an hour's extra which is as detailed as anyone would wish for.

It is very unlikely that there will be a serious challenger to this impressive production in the foreseeable future. The imaging is wonderfully clear and detailed without being invasive and the sound quality is superb in its DTS Master Audio format. In my opinion there cannot be any serious reason to deny this issue the full 5 stars.