Monteverdi Cycle

Monteverdi fans, prepare for a long night ahead: this seven-disc set features three surviving operas by the famed Italian master, given brilliant productions at the Amsterdam Musiktheater. Orpheus is again out to rescue his beloved Eurydice, in "L'Orfeo," with John Mark Ainsley, Michael Chance, and David Cordier; the world of Homer's "Odyssey" comes to life in "Il Ritorno d'Ulisse In Patria," starring Anthony Rolfe Johnson and Graciela Araya; Roman emperor Nero's second wife takes center stage for "L'incoronazione Di Poppea," with Brigitte Balleys, Cynthia Haymon, and Claron McFadden. Also includes a performance of the composition "Il Combattimento Di Tancredi E Clorinda." 9 1/2 hrs. total. Soundtracks: Italian DTS 5.1, PCM stereo; Subtitles: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish. In Italian with English subtitles.