Giulio Cesare – Grand Theatre, Leeds
Music: George Frideric Handel
Libretto: Nicola Francesco Haym
Director: Tim Albery
Reviewer: Nicola Harrison
The Public Reviews Rating: 
‘Converse with her had an irresistible charm and her presence… had something stimulating about it. There was sweetness in the tones of her voice and her tongue like an instrument of many strings could readily turn to whatever language she pleased.’
Plutarch (Life of Antony)
Giulio Cesare is an Italian opera in three acts written for the Royal Academy of Music by Handel in 1724. Nicola Francesco Haym used earlier libretto by Giacomo Francesco Bussani set in Music by Antonio Sartorio in 1676. The opera’s first performance was in London in 1724. Following its success, Handel revived it and further performances were given in Paris, Hamburg and Brunswick. It is historically acclaimed for its magnificent vocal writing, dramatic impact and skillful orchestral arrangements.
The real Cleopatra is not known for her beauty. Plutarch who read descriptions of her from those who knew her personally discovered that it was her strength of character and attractive voice that made her a compelling companion. She could speak seven languages and has been described over time in varying personas. Theophile Gautier in 1845 expressed her as, ‘the most complete woman ever to have existed…a person to be wondered at… whom dreamers find always at the end of their dreams.’
Cleopatra is depicted in the opera as a multifaceted character who uses her feminine charm to seduce Cesare and gain the throne of Egypt but subsequently becomes caught in a love affair with Cesare. The story encompasses a cocktail of events including murder, battles, plots and counter-plots before the ultimate prize of sanctified love finally triumphs. Handel’s music serves alongside to charm the audience with exquisite refinement.
Opera North’s presentation of Giulio Cesare was spell bounding from the start to the finish. Although an essentially complicated and involved plot, under the direction of Tim Albery, the thread remained consistent throughout and ensured polished performances from the artists. The Orchestra of Opera North directed by Robert Howarth delivered a stunning performance as a support to the intense drama and passion delivered on stage. The set and staging designed by Leslie Travers had impact in creating Egyptian grandeur yet was simplictic and effective.
Vocal performances of note were the role of Giulio Cesare (Pamela Helen Stephen), Cleopatra (Sarah Tynan), Tolomeo (James Laing), Cornelia (Ann Taylor) and Sesto (Kathryn Rudge). The contrast between roles and vocal demands of these parts varied greatly. Cornelia and Sesto’s parts are more static as their characters are confined to primary emotions due to their own family bereavement. The singers portrayed these roles with dignity and effect. The role of Cesare and Cleopatra encompassed eight arias and two recitatives and in contrast stretched the vocal capacities of both performers. The interpretation of their parts were handled masterfully and exploited the singers’ great versatility. James Laing excelled in all roles, as King of Egypt, brother and husband to Cleopatra. He was convincing in his varying villainous personas and held the audience captive throughout.
It was the portrayal of Cleopatra by Sarah Tynan however that provided the jewel to the entire opera. Her natural passion and seductive charm magically enchanted the audience from the dramatic and intense arias, ‘Se pietà di me non senti’ (Act II, scene 8) and ‘Piangerò la sorte mia’ (Act III, scene 3) to her sensual character depicted in the aria ‘V’adoro pupille’. (Act II, scene 2). Her extensive vocal range and ease at which she controlled every musical phrase made a compelling and unforgettable performance.
Giulio Cesare is recommended for all those who would relish romance, action, conflict and gratifying endings in the magnificent finery of a Victorian theatre.
‘Giulio Cesare’ runs at the Grand Theatre, Leeds until Thursday 16th February 12
Tags: Ann Taylor, Antonio Sartorio, Giacomo Francesco Bussani, Handel, James Laing, Kathryn Rudge, Leeds, Leeds Grand Theatre, Leslie Travers, Nicola Francesco Haym, Opera North, Pamela Helen Stephen, Robert Howarth, Sarah Tynan, The Orchestra of Opera North, Tim Albery
