Julius Caesar

Composer: Handel, George Frideric

Libretto Source: Bassani, Giacomo Francesco

Conductor: Mackerras, Charles

Orchestra: English National Opera Orchestra

Chorus: English National Opera Chorus

Chorus Master: Morris, Victor

Achillas: Tomlinson, John

Cleopatra: Masterson, Valerie

Cornelia: Walker, Sarah

Curio: Kitchiner, John

Julius Caesar: Baker, Janet

Nirenus: Williams, Tom Emlyn

Ptolemy: Bowman, James

Sextus: Jones, Della

Set Designer: Pascoe, John

Costume Designer: Stennett, Michael

Lighting Designer: Bryan, Robert

Stage Director: Copley, John

Television Director: Phillips, John Michael

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Venue: Limehouse Studios, London

Playing Time: 02:59:40

Catalogue Number: R0133

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Dame Janet Baker, in one of her greatest roles, leads a cast of some of Britain's finest interpreters of Baroque opera, and their performance under the baton of Sir Charles Mackerras is one of the highest musical excellence. This video is a studio recording of John Copley's acclaimed English National Opera production.

The opera was first performed in 1724 at the Haymarket Theatre in London using castrati singers in the heroes' roles. This production follows modern practice in using women in these parts. Dame Janet's virtuoso role as Julius Caesar has been heralded as a masterful recreation of the music which Handel wrote for the finest singers of his time.