John Gay's The Beggar's Opera

Carsen blends the passion, vitriol, and cheeky appeal of Gay’s original – here set to new dialogue by Ian Burton – with William Christie’s version of the score, and some West End-style singing... — BBC Music Magazine, May 2024, 4 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 22nd Mar 2024
Catalogue No: OABD7283D
Label: Opus Arte

International Classical Music Awards

2022

Nominated - Video Performance

Gay: The Beggar's Opera

Les Arts Florissants (early music ensemble)
William Christie

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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)

Reviews

May 2024

Carsen blends the passion, vitriol, and cheeky appeal of Gay’s original – here set to new dialogue by Ian Burton – with William Christie’s version of the score, and some West End-style singing and dancing. Benjamin Purkiss makes a riveting Macheath: steamily sexy with women, menacing with his mates, visceral in voicing Gay's indictment of society.

January 2022

Whether Gay needed an overhaul is one question. Another is whether the new script’s breathless speed gels with the Baroque musical manners of William Christie and Les Arts Florissants. The answer is a pleasant ‘mais oui’...If the style appeals, here is a Beggar’s Opera for fans of acting rather than singing.

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