DVD + Blu-Ray:
Critics’ Choice - Gay: The Beggar's Opera

Ian Burton and Robert Carsen’s new version of Gay’s comedic exploration of society.

The Opus Arte Critics’ Choice series is a diverse range of titles, featuring some of the most acclaimed recordings in the label’s catalogue at a very special price. In this series we celebrate many famous classics while also revisiting some of the more innovative, original and perhaps less well-known productions that the label has long been renowned for showcasing. All the new Critics' Choice releases contain the beautifully designed, original artwork and colour booklets which, along with a new unique cover design uniting all the titles, makes them ideal for collectors.

Written by John Gay in 1728, The Beggar's Opera is widely considered to be the first musical comedy, and one that pre-empted by about 300 years the current vogue for “ jukebox “ productions, which create a plot to fit around hit songs. Gay took some of the best-known tunes of his day, both classical and popular, and worked them into a savagely satirical tale set amongst London's thieves, pimps and prostitutes.

Wildly popular from its first performance, The Beggar's Opera has been the basis for numerous stage, musical and cinematic adaptations ever since. It explores a cynical world where capitalist greed, crime and social inequality are the norm. Robert Carsen’s new take on this classic is indeed “A brilliant tour de force between baroque and modernity” (Libération).

"... a high-energy show which remains true to John Gay’s original satire." (theoperacritic.com)

Genre Opera
Composer John Gay
Orchestra / Band Les Arts Florissants
Choir Les Arts Florissants
Conductor William Christie
Stage Director Ian Burton, Robert Carsen
TV Director François Roussillon
Recording location Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord
Production year 2018
Musical style Baroque
Soloist Robert Burt
Soloist Beverley Klein
Soloist Kate Batter
Soloist Benjamin Purkiss
Soloist Kraig Thornber
Soloist Olivia Brereton
Soloist Emma Kate Nelson
Soloist Sean Lopeman