L'Orfeo, Favola in musica

This version of Orfeo is an excellent synthesis of music and dance. The costumes and scenery are rather post-modern, but the singing and playing are some of the very best of the lot. Defying convention, La Musica sings from the orchestra while a dancer is suspended in the set, apparently weightless. Speranza is sung by a male soprano. There are plenty of other surprises in this version. Trisha Brown's choreography sometimes appears "affected" and unnatural; but at other times is strikingly beautiful. The conducting (busy but effective) and the original instrument performances are absolutely first rate, at least the equal to any other performances out there, early brass playing especially. The fact that this opera can still work, and beautifully in this rendition is a testament to the timelessness of the work.