La clemenza di Tito (The clemency of Titus) - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Information about the opera La clemenza di Tito by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
Mozart's last opera is not considered one of his greatest, and although it contains some beautiful melodies the plot is rather feeble.
Synopsis
Vitellia, daughter of the deposed Vitellius, persuades her lover Sextus to conspire against the Emperor Titus and set fire to the Capitol. Titus in disguise escapes burning and his clemency consists of pardoning the plotters and marrying Vitellia.
Recommended recordings on CD
Jacobs/Padmore/Pendatchanska (Harmonia Mundi HMC901923/24)
A new recording that gives new life to Mozart's disparaged opera.
Berlin RIAS Chamber Choir, Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, conducted by René Jacobs.
Cast: Mark Padmore (Tito), Alexandrina Pendatchanska (Vitellia).
Harmonia Mundi HMC901923/24
Hogwood/Heilmann/Jones (L'Oiseau-Lyre 444 131-2)
An excellent cast.
Academy of Ancient Music Chorus, Academy of Ancient Music, conducted by Christopher Hogwood, 1993.
Cast: Uwe Heilmann (Tito), Della Jones (Vitellia).
L'Oiseau-Lyre 444 131-2
Recommended recordings on DVD
Cambreling/Prégardien/Naglestad (Opus Arte OA 0942 D)
National Theater Opera Orchestra of Paris, National Theater Opera Chorus of Paris, conducted by Sylvain Cambreling, 2005.
Cast: Christoph Prégardien (Tito), Catherine Naglestad (Vitellia).
Opus Arte OA 0942 D