First Emperor, The (Metropolitan Opera) (2 Disc Set)

EMI Classics continues its Metropolitan Opera : Live in High-Definition DVD series with the Metropolitan Opera's world-premiere of Tan Dun and Ha Jin's "The First Emperor".

Legendary tenor, Plácido Domingo stars in the visually stunning opera, The First Emperor, by Academy Award winning composer Tan Dun (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) - Filmed live at the Metropolitan Opera in High-definition.

Commissioned by the MET in the mid-1990s, this spectacular new production was one of the most highly anticipated cultural events of the 2006-07 Metropolitan Opera season.

The Opera tells of Emperor Qin’s quest for a national anthem for his new country and his ill-fated decision to force a rebellious but talented young composer to write it. Tragedy results following the composer’s love affair with the emperor’s crippled daughter, including the deaths of three principal characters. Plácido Domingo, as Emperor Qin, leads an all-star ensemble in this classic story, ideally suited to the opera stage.

The First Emperor combines the expressive power of traditional ancient Chinese singing with the long musical lines of Italian Opera. This juxtaposition of musical cultures illustrates Tan Dun’s musical style and influences perfectly. In his music not only East and West but ancient and modern coexist.