Rameau: Dardanu - L'Opéra de Bordeaux (2015) [Blu-ray]

This video was recorded live with performances of the original version of Dardanus (1739) given at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux in April 2015, in a production by Michel Fau and choreography by Christopher Williams.

Dardanus is typical of Jean-Philippe Rameau's operas. It contains impressive, innovative music that is rich with dramatic complexity. His works combined clever harmonic devices, colorful orchestrations and a wide range of emotional expression that often caused controversy among those who favored the music of his rival, Jean-Baptiste Lully. Although Rameau's more forward-looking style would eventually win out, the conflict between these two great composers made for one of opera's more colorful chapters. Dardanus was a less-than-spectacular success at its premiére and underwent at least two extensive revisions. These subsequent versions simplified the plot, but also involved the removal of excellent music. Modern revivals of Dardanus, such at the one staged here by Ensemble Pygmalion, have restored some of the lost music while maintaining dramatic coherence.