Various Artists - Giulio Cesare: Gran Teatre Del Liceu (Hofstetter) (Italian, DVD)

This performance was recorded live at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, July 2004 and is directed by Herbert Wernicke, who includes in his version fragments of Rinaldo, Orlando and Tolomeo. An innovative and frequently controversial artist, Wernicke concentrates on the emotions and psychology of the story of Julius Caesar, rather than the story of political conspiracy conjured up by William Shakespeare, and manages to combine serious insight with entertainment, bringing Handel's masterpiece to life in a powerful, convincing and highly intelligent performance. In Handel's 'Giulio Cesare', Caesar is a heroic figure, rescuing Cleopatra from the clutches of her evil brother. The simplicity of the story enables Handel to concentrate on what he does best: combining wonderfully poignant arias and intricate recitatives with a complex narrative where the subtle nuances are apparent, reflecting perfectly the transparent and exquisite nature of Handel's musical expression.