I found this production not only great but very interesting, mainly because contemporary composer Hans Werner Henze adapts Monteverdi's music here. Despite my reservations, I think he does prove to be a good match. And musically, the opera is as sublime as ever, with wonderfully intimate orchestral playing and brisk but never too broad conducting from Jeffrey Tate. The costume and set design are both colourful and atmospheric, the picture quality is good if occasionally grainy and the sound is excellent. Michael Hampe's stage direction is in perfect tune to the haunting story Il Ritorno D'Ulisse in Patria has. And the performances are equally as impressive, Thomas Allen takes on Ulysse and L'Umana Fragilita, and while he sings beautifully and gets the message across as L'Humana Fragilita it is Ulysse where he really shone, again wonderfully sung and very moving. Kathaleen Khulmann also excels in the enigmatic role of Penelope(her final duet with Allen is glorious), as do Daphne Evangelatos and Delores Ziegler. All in all, I found this production great. I'd lean towards the Ponnelle-directed production for a more authentic performance, but for one beautifully sung and musically convincing, this should accommodate you more than nicely. 10/10 Bethany Cox
