Love conquers all – ruthlessly and irresistibly – as Emperor Nero and his mistress Poppea remove the obstacles to their union. At Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu, David Alden’s visually sumptuous production, with its suggestions of a giant game of chess, puts the opera’s potent blend of sex and politics in a context that sets ancient against modern, just as the action juxtaposes scurrilous comedy and stark drama.

Monteverdi’s magnificent score, meanwhile, accommodates intrigue, wit, nobility, tragedy and sensuality, and, led by the intense Sarah Connolly and the delectable Miah Persson, the cast brings both drama and music startlingly to life.

Extra features include an illustrated synopsis and cast gallery.

Cast:
- Poppea: Miah Persson
- Nerone: Sarah Connolly
- Ottone: Jordi Domènech
- Seneca: Franz-Josef Selig

Stage Director: David Alden

Recorded live at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, February 2009

"It is difficult to imagine a more credible and convincing Poppea than the Swedish soprano Miah Persson. Her beauty, outstanding figure, her acting abilities and her beautiful voice, together with her great expressiveness, make her the Poppea of one’s dreams." - www.musicweb-international.com

"It exposes the viewer to reflect and be renewed, and with daring and elegance unfolds with the possibilities offered by Baroque opera in modern culture." - El Punt

"Incisive, balanced, varied and brilliant." - El Pais

Running time: 183 minutes
Subtitles: EN/FR/DE/ES/Catalan
Sound format: 2.0LPCM + 5.1(5.0) DTS