<<  -- 2 --  Maria Nockin    PRAISEWORTHY STYLE

The production was originally designed for English National Opera and later revised for the Metropolitan Opera. The substantial looking sets were by John Pascoe and the well-appointed eighteenth century styled costumes by Michael Stennett. John Copley's direction was in keeping with the Handelian time period and told the story of this fanciful libretto in an easily understandable manner.

Podles, a vocally powerful Caesar sang the difficult music with a strong technique, fluent virtuosity and exquisite beauty of tone. One often hears technically proficient sopranos trill on high notes, but Podles can trill on her low tones and the effect is magical. Her Cesare was both heroic and vulnerable, so she made the legendary conqueror into a recognizable human being.

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