Genre:
Opera
Release Date:
Jun 2009
Recorded:
2008
Number of Discs:
1
Sound:
2.0 PCM & 5.1 DTS
Subtitles:
EN, FR, DE, ES, IT
Aspect Ratio:
1080i High Definition / 16:9
Display:
NTSC
Catalog Number:
OABD7032D
Humperdinck: Hansel und Gretel (The Royal Opera)
Angelika Kirchschlager (Hansel); Diana Damrau (Gretel); Elizabeth Connell (Gertrud); Thomas Allen (Peter); Anja Silja (Witch); Pumeza Matshikiza (Sandman);
Diana Damrau and Angelika Kirchschlager star in the acclaimed 2008 production of Humperdinck's famous fairy-tale opera, in the company of two of Britain's most revered musical figures: Thomas Allen, playing the role of the Father, and the legendary conductor Colin Davis. Directors Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser combine their characteristic wit and a dash of deliciously dark comedy with the operas fairy-tale charm. Humperdinck's music mixes catchy folk-like songs with sumptuous instrumental colour, making the result as tunefully approachable, musically memorable and visually delightful as opera gets.
Filmed in High Definition and recorded in full Surround Sound.
Reviews
"Angelika Kirchschlagers tousled, boyish Hänsel and Diana Damraus Gretel are dramatically convincing and vocally superb, while their parents, excellently sung and played by Elizabeth Connell and Thomas Allen, earn our sympathy as well as our censure. Pumeza Matshikizas goblin-like Sandman is truly magical and Anita Watsons feather-dusting Dew Fairy another amusing creation. Colin Davis, unafraid to relish the icing on the cake, draws a warm, effulgent sound from the orchestra." (The Evening Standard)
"Not only was the production a great one to attend as a first opera, but the DVD is perhaps as good an introduction to opera as one could hope for, a success on almost every front." (Musicweb International)
Extra features
Illustrated Synopsis & animated Cast gallery.Interview with Colin Davis.Fairytales feature.Cinema trailer.