Claudio Monteverdi - Il Ritorno D'Ulisse In Patria - DVD

Blu-ray released by Arthaus Musik in 2005, 148 minutes, format 4:3, PCM stereo.

Pénélope - Janet Baker; Ulisse - Benjamin Luxon.
London Philharmonic Orchestra; Glyndebourne Chorus; Raymond Leppard.

„Il Ritorno d'Ulisse in Patria” is an opera by Claudio Monteverdi, one of the earliest works in the genre of opera. It was first performed in 1640 and is based on the story of Ulysses's return to his home in Ithaca, as recounted out in Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey". The opera is notable for its dramatic impact and its use of musical styles that were innovative for its time, such as monody (a form of solo singing with accompaniment) and stile concitato (a style that emphasizes the emotional content of the text through the use of expressive vocal delivery and instrumental accompaniment). "Il Ritorno d'Ulisse in Patria" is widely regarded as a masterpiece of early baroque opera and continues to be performed today.