Purcell’s work is the oldest English opera that is still frequently performed. As such, it presents many staging problems for modern companies. Should it be staged as it might have been in the late 1600s, or updated to appeal to 20th century audiences? This DVD presents one of the strangest solutions of all, yet one that is not without validity or success. In this production, the singers are largely out of sight, the roles being taken by dancers. To establish a connection between voice and dance, the initial entrance of each main character shows the singer in the foreground, with the dancer in the background. The camera then pans into the dancer and we seldom see the vocalist again. This successful approach also is used for the small chamber chorus.
The dancers and singers are costumed in simple black and the sets are minimal, mostly bare stage with a few classical-style benches. The concentration, then, is on emotion and expression as set forth in body motion. The Mark Morris Dancers are superb at this. If you listen to the words and watch the action of the dancers, there can be doubt as to overall intent. The video is state-of-the art, so every action can be clearly seen. There was some degree of controversy regarding this production in that Dido and the Sorceress are both danced by Mark Morris himself, flowing long hair, hairy armpits and all. This casting works better in the viewing than it does in the telling. Overall, the story of the deserted queen who kills herself for honor comes through with tremendous power and clarity.
The music is performed accurately and with sensitivity by the excellent soloists and by Tafelmusik’s small chorus and orchestra. The PCM recorded sound is as good as most CDs, so if you do not like the video, you can turn it off and listen to a very good performance. Be warned, though, that you will hear the thumps and bumps of leaping dancers landing on the floor, as well as a few hand claps that prove more effective with video than without. There are electronic subtitles you can turn on or off at will, and a very brief (one screen!) biography of Purcell. A mixed bag, to be sure, but not without rewards.
