If directors will insist on staging Handel oratorios as if they’re operas, it makes sense to pick Semele, which is practically an opera already. Under George II, opera was banned in London theatres during Lent (too exotick, too irrational), so Handel slipped his best material past the authorities by presenting it in concert format, set
PATRICK MARMION: By Jove, this is a rum view of Handel s beautiful but hybrid piece - definitely profane rather than sacred, it has the strong choral presence of an oratorio.
Semele review — hedonistic, erotic and endlessly entertaining thetimes.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thetimes.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
19/09/2022 - Cineuropa talked to the Czech director about his biggest film to date and about the origins of this period drama that resurrects music that has not been heard for 250 years