FRANCESCO CAVALLI (1602-1676): La Didone.

Description: Loosely based on the Aeneid (except Dido marries Iarbas rather than immolating herself), this 1641 work has some of the most impassioned recitative Cavalli ever wrote, as well as several striking stophic laments and arias. Recorded at the Teatro Malibran, Venice in Sept. 2006 with stylized sets but period (ancient Rome) costumes. 2 DVDs. Claron McFadden (soprano), Magnus Staveland (tenor), Manuela Custer (mezzo), Orchestra Europa Galante; Fabio Biondi. 16:9 widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround; PCM 2.0 stereo. 173 min. NTSC all regions.