Death in Venice

Benjamin Britten’s poignant setting of Thomas Mann’s novella is beautifully realized by the authoritative conducting of David Atherton and a distinguished cast. Tenor Anthony Rolfe Johnson delivers a searing portrayal in the central role of Gustav von Aschenbach, a novelist on vacation in Venice who falls in love with the beauty of a Polish boy, Tadzio, whom he sees playing on the beach with his friends. Baritone Thomas Allen is gripping in his performance in of the seven roles of Achenbach’s nemeses, tempting him, step by step, to his predestined doom.