Mozart - Idomeneo (Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Arthaus Musik)

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Although Idomeneo is one of Mozart’s lesser known operas, it sparkles with the composer’s usual brilliant melodies. In this 1974 rarity from Glyndebourne John Pritchard once again conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra and gives the stage direction by John Cox a perfect musical foundation.

During a ferocious storm Idomeneo, the King of Crete, makes a vow to Neptune, offering a sacrifice (the first human being Idomeneo sees) in return for the god’s help in bringing his ship safely to shore. As it turns out, the first person he encounters is his own son, Idamante. This dilemma can only be solved by the unselfish love of Ilia, who is willing to give her life in his stead. Richard Lewis confirms his position as the world’s leading exponent of this opera in the title role of Idomeneo, with Josephine Barstow equally mesmerising in her portrayal of Electra’s agony.

01. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Idomeneo, K366