Julius Caesar: Handel - English National Opera (1984) Rating: Starring: Janet Baker, James Bowman, Della Jones, Valerie Masterson, John Tomlinson, Sarah Walker Director: John Copley Category: Classics, Classics Studio: Image Ent. Subtitles: English Length: 180 mins     Dame Janet Baker, in one of her greatest roles, leads a cast of some of Britain's finest interpreters of baroque opera and their performance under the baton of Sir Charles Mackerras is one of the highest in musical excellence. John Copley's acclaimed English National Opera production was restaged in a studio, skillfully using all the technical advantages offered, to create this top recording. The opera was first performed in 1724 at the Haymarket Theatre in London using castrati singers in the heroes' roles. This production follows the modern practice of using women in these parts. Dame Janet's virtuouso role as Julius Caesar has been heralded as a masterful recreation of the music which Handel wrote for the finest singer of his time.