Giullo Cesare
From the Barbican Centre, London. Giulio Cesare is one of Handel's most dramatic and compelling operas, packed with seduction, murder and suicide attempts. Ann Murray and Amanda Roocroft head the cast as the Roman emperor Julius Caesar and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. Handel's opera is based on Caesar's visit to Egypt in 48-47BC. Although the plot is largely fictional, most of the characters are historical figures.
Royal Opera Chorus, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, conductor Ivor Bolton
Act
7.45 The Real Julius Caesar
Lindsay Hall reveals the facts behind the name.
8.10 Act 2
9.20 Only an Old Crank
Donald Macleod talks to Robert King about Handel's reputation as an opera composer, the revival of interest in his music in the 20th century, and the recent surge in the popularity of his operas.
9.45 Act 3
♦ See Brian Kay : page 38