Iolanta / Perséphone – Teatro Real

Iolanta is a one-act lyric opera by Tchaikovsky, sung in Russian. This production presents it in the style of a nineteenth-century Italian melodrama, with a structure that includes recitative introductions followed by arias, duets, or choruses.

Perséphone, by Stravinsky, is a three-act melodrama performed in French. It tells a story of regeneration, enhanced by the inclusion of dancers from the Cambodian company Amrita Performing Arts. Peter Sellars' direction merges both operas through a shared stage setting, creating a visually rich experience that transitions from darkness to light.

This release is notable for collectors interested in opera, especially those who appreciate the innovative staging and the collaboration of these two significant composers. The combination of Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky, along with the artistic vision of Sellars, offers a compelling exploration of lyrical storytelling in opera.