Sarah Connolly's 'outstanding' (The Guardian) portrayal of the wronged Roman noblewoman, written originally for Kathleen Ferrier, lies at the heart of David McVicar's powerfully stark production for English National Opera as 'an everyday sort of woman who could be living at any time or place.' Her nemesis is the arrogant Tarquinius of Christopher Maltman, 'who made the air tingle with danger' (Financial Times). Filmed by the BBC at Snape Maltings during the production’s premiere run at the 2001 Aldeburgh Festival.

Hugely acclaimed Aldeburgh/ENO production from 2001.

Britten’s “chamber opera” was premiered at Glyndebourne in 1946, representing a stylistic departure from the grander Peter Grimes the previous year.

Based on the legend of Lucretia who is raped by the Roman tyrant Tarquinius but kills herself rather than live with the shame.

Contains scenes of sexual violence.

Extra features: Cast gallery.

Running time: 120 minutes

Subtitles EN/FR/DE/JP/KO

Sound format: 2.0LPCM + 5.1(5.0) DTS

Artists

Sarah Connolly (Lucretia), Christopher Maltman (Tarquinius), Catherine Wyn-Rogers (Bianca), Mary Nelson (Lucia), Leigh Melrose (Junius), Clive Bayley (Collatinus), Orla Boylan (Female Chorus) & John Mark Ainsley (Male Chorus)

English National Opera, Paul Daniel (conductor) & David McVicar (stage director)