Lyric, Caesar brilliant in Edwardian age
The past decade has been a gold mine for Handel lovers at Lyric Opera of Chicago, with acclaimed productions of "Alcina," "Xerxes" and "Partenope."
Starting with Friday's opening night, it's time for "Giulio Cesare" ("Julius Caesar"), Handel's 1723-24 dramatic opera seria take on the Caesar-Cleopatra story. It is presented in stage director David McVicar's justly praised production originating at Britain's Glyndebourne Festival Opera and since then shared with several other opera companies.
In addition to the physical production, which we'll discuss in a moment, the Lyric has the benefit of Glyndebourne's leading singers: countertenor David Daniels in the title role and soprano Danielle de Niese, making her Lyric Opera debut as Cleopatra. Handel's highly embellished Baroque-style vocal lines are made to order for Daniels, the world's leading countertenor, who excelled here in "Partenope" in the 2002-03 season and three years later reigned supreme in the French Baroque in Gluck's "Orfeo ed Euridice."
De Niese, a native of Australia but raised and musically trained in America, has really assimilated Cleopatra's complex character, not only at Glyndebourne but at New York's Metropolitan Opera, as well as in Paris and the Netherlands. A high point of Friday's performance was the soul-searching aria "Se Pieta di me non senti," in Act 2, just one of many examples of de Niese's artistry.
The supporting cast also is excellent, with French countertenor Christophe Dumaux standing out as Tolomeo (Ptolemy, Caesar's rival), whose death scene by both sword and pistol at the hands of Sextus (mezzo-soprano Maite Beaumont, in her American debut) is memorable for its comedic touch.
A pistol in ancient Egypt? Well, no. McVicar and the set and costume designers -- Robert Jones and Brigitte Reiffenstuel, respectively -- have moved the time of the opera from 48 B.C. to the Edwardian age, with no less sense of authenticity. Jones' unit set is a beauty, with seamless scene changes using sliding panels, shimmering draperies of various primary colors, and projected scenic backdrops.
McVicar's staging is equally impressive, with action aplenty thanks to a troupe of dancers who supplement and mimic the singers' physical movements. One aria, in fact, reminded one of a high-class Vaudeville soft-shoe number, to the delight of Friday's audience.
In charge in the orchestra pit is Emmanuelle Haïm, making history this month as the Lyric's first female conductor. Haïm made her American debut several years ago at Chicago Opera Theater with another Handel masterpiece, "Agrippina." In addition to conducting, she plays the continuo harpsichord in this production.
Be advised that "Giulio Cesare" lasts more than 4½ hours (two intermissions included in that) with an early curtain time of 6:30 p.m. In light of the opera's Wagnerian length, intermission box lunches can be reserved in the lobby before the performance.
"Giulio Cesare"
Where: Ardis Krainik Theatre, Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive.
When: Additional performances at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 24, 28 and Dec. 1; 1 p.m. Nov. 11.
Tickets: Call (312) 332-2244, Ext. 5600, or visit lyricopera.org, for availability and reservations; major credit cards accepted.
At a glance:
Opera in three acts by George Frideric Handel; Glyndebourne Festival Opera production designed by Robert Jones (sets) and Brigitte Reiffenstuel (costumes). David McVicar, stage director; Donald Nally, chorus master; Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Emmanuelle Haïm.
Starring As
David Daniels Julius Caesar
Danielle de Niese Cleopatra
Christophe Dumaux Tolomeo
Maite Beaumont Sextus
Patricia Bardon Cornelia
Wayne Tigges Achillas
Gerald Thompson Nirenus
Darren Stokes Curius
Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago
David Daniels and Danielle de Niese star as Julius Caesar and Cleopatra in Handel's "Giulio Cesare" at Lyric Opera of Chicago.