Hector Berlioz' grand opera "Les Troyens" is given an appropriately grand
treatment in this production by the renowned Catalan theater group "La Fura
dels Baus" under Carlus Padrissa recorded at Valencia's Palau de les Arts.
In the first part, Padrissa plays with the present-day meaning of "Trojans"
as computer viruses; in the second, he takes us to a future civilization
headed towards self-destruction. The production is a triumph for Valery
Gergiev, who conducts "with impressive energy" (FAZ), and for the
grandiose, world-famous lead singers Daniela Barcellona, Elisabete Matos
and Stephen Gould.