Opera on DVD

Started by uffeviking, April 08, 2007, 12:54:48 AM

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PSmith08

Quote from: AndyD. on May 11, 2008, 04:36:01 PM
Anyone seen this one yet? I'm interested in a first Lohengrin.

Yeah, that's the famous Werner Herzog Lohengrin. It's beautiful as far as productions go, but, frankly, I find Peter Schneider to be a little four-square. He's not bad, but he's probably not the conductor whose Lohengrin I'd listen to all other things being equal. It's an important production in the Bayreuth universe, since - without Werner Herzog's Lohengrin - we wouldn't have gotten Schlingensief's Parsifal and we might never have almost gotten Lars von Trier's Ring. I know, Trier bowed out at the last minute, but the idea would never have come to pass without Herzog having some measure of success. I'm surprised Universal waited this long - it's been a banner couple of years for Wagner DVD releases: Kirchner's Götterdämmerung, Wolfgang Wagner's Parsifal, Karajan's Rheingold, and now Herzog's Lohengrin. It's a good time to like Wagner and own a TV.

knight66

Yashin, Thanks for those links. I will be giving it a pass...though I would like a chance to visit the new opera house.

Mike
DavidW: Yeah Mike doesn't get angry, he gets even.
I wasted time: and time wasted me.

Mozart

Is everyone a completly out of their minds?  Ok bad start, but I've heard such praise over Colin Davis' magic flute

that I thought I'd give it a try...WTF! How in the world did anyone like, much less love this dvd? Boring costumes, sh*tty singers, wtf! I can't stop saying, nor could I stop thinking it! They even committed the gravest sin possible, changing the dialog! They took out everything funny and interesting. Tamino's aria put me half to sleep. Roschmann looks like a hog in a dress...(although I'm convinced she is a hog)


Stagging has gotten so poor that this passes as an excellent dvd? I felt like the opera takes place in a haunted hotel. Instead of Papageno being comic, he was quite depressing! I couldn't make it to the end, but I would hope he hangs himself! Save yourself a few hours and don't watch this filth. The only good thing about is was Damrau, she is very convincing queen. Anyways, I've totally got a new frisbee...

http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/tvczeMHNJ-c

yashin

I happen to agree...very dull.  I still am knocked out by the new Harnoncourt flute DVD with Strehl as Tamino, Mosuc as the Queen and Salminen as Sarastro.
A modern and witty production.  Excellent conducting.

yashin

I have just been watching the Nagano conducted DVD of Wagner's Lohengrin..with Klaus Florian Vogt and i must say i have fallen in love with it.  "In Fernem land" was heartbreaking..like it should be.  I did quite like the classroom set DVD with Emily Magee and John Treleaven but the Lenhoff DVD is much better.  Is this the best in your opinion?

Other DVD i have really enjoyed watching but yet to finish is Donizetti's "Don Pasquale" with Simone Alaimo and Ciofi in the soprano role.  Excellent and vital conducting from Pido.  The setting is excellent.  Real buffo comedy...can't wait to finish it.

scarpia


Couldn't disagree more, this is my favorite DVD of the magic flute, with the possible exception of the Bergman film.  Zauberflote is always problematic for me, since the scenario requires enormous suspension of disbelief, but I found the product just off-beat enough to avoid boredom, without going too far over the top (which the recent Harnoncourt DVD did, IMO). 

Quote from: Mozart on June 06, 2008, 11:50:59 PM
Is everyone a completly out of their minds?  Ok bad start, but I've heard such praise over Colin Davis' magic flute

that I thought I'd give it a try...WTF! How in the world did anyone like, much less love this dvd? Boring costumes, sh*tty singers, wtf! I can't stop saying, nor could I stop thinking it! They even committed the gravest sin possible, changing the dialog! They took out everything funny and interesting. Tamino's aria put me half to sleep. Roschmann looks like a hog in a dress...(although I'm convinced she is a hog)


Stagging has gotten so poor that this passes as an excellent dvd? I felt like the opera takes place in a haunted hotel. Instead of Papageno being comic, he was quite depressing! I couldn't make it to the end, but I would hope he hangs himself! Save yourself a few hours and don't watch this filth. The only good thing about is was Damrau, she is very convincing queen. Anyways, I've totally got a new frisbee...

http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/tvczeMHNJ-c

uffeviking

Of course it's my favourite Die Zauberflöte because Simon Keenlyside stole the show and laid claim to the role of Papageno, it's his for life! I usually schedule my trip to the refrigerator or loo when the Queen starts her yodeling; didn't have to do it with Damrau, I actually enjoy listening to her, and her acting is just as good.

Anybody accepting the opinion of our fellow member Mozart, should be cautious, I think he is overruled by an army of professional opera reviewers who have nothing but praise for this production.

Mozart

That very army of professional opera reviewers are the very reason I found it to be so frustrated. They gave it so many praises when it's just another crappy flute production. If anyone who disagrees opinion is overruled, then there would be nothing but high praises. How can anyone watch the flute and skip the queen of the night...people who do that should be banned from enjoying the opera!

scarpia


Oh get off it.  It has nothing to do with an "army of professional opera reviewers."  This is one of the most popular opera DVDs to come out recently because it is a great production with a great cast and a great musical performance.  Diana Danau's Queen of the Night absolutely steals the show, with her dramatic costume and campy, over-the-top, melodramatic acting.  I wish I had a blue-ray player so I could get in in High Def.  If anything should be banned, it is crappy posts by self-important boobs who think they have figured out that everyone's favorite dvd is "crappy."   ;D

Quote from: Mozart on June 10, 2008, 07:25:13 AM
That very army of professional opera reviewers are the very reason I found it to be so frustrated. They gave it so many praises when it's just another crappy flute production. If anyone who disagrees opinion is overruled, then there would be nothing but high praises. How can anyone watch the flute and skip the queen of the night...people who do that should be banned from enjoying the opera!

Wanderer

Quote from: scarpia on June 10, 2008, 07:48:41 AM
Oh get off it.  It has nothing to do with an "army of professional opera reviewers."  This is one of the most popular opera DVDs to come out recently because it is a great production with a great cast and a great musical performance.  Diana Danau's Queen of the Night absolutely steals the show, with her dramatic costume and campy, over-the-top, melodramatic acting.  I wish I had a blue-ray player so I could get in in High Def.  If anything should be banned, it is crappy posts by self-important boobs who think they have figured out that everyone's favorite dvd is "crappy."   ;D


It's on Blu-ray? I'll have this one in mind for when I eventually buy one of those BD players.  8)

scarpia

http://www.opusarte.com/pages/Product.asp?ProductID=233

Quote from: Wanderer on June 10, 2008, 09:10:38 AM
It's on Blu-ray? I'll have this one in mind for when I eventually buy one of those BD players.  8)

DavidRoss

#431
I've yet to get into opera on DVD.  Though the idea is very appealing, I've been bored by the few DVDs I've seen.  Guess I'll comb this tread to see if there are any strong recommendations I could try.

One thing that looks like a winner:  Kenneth Branaugh is completing a new film of The Magic Flute.  That might even entice me into the cinema!

Edit:  Praise for and controversy over the production mentioned above caused me to seek youtube clips of Damrau's performance.  (Loved the Papageno, BTW)

http://www.youtube.com/v/DvuKxL4LOqc&feature=related
"Maybe the problem most of you have ... is that you're not listening to Barbirolli." ~Sarge

"The problem with socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people's money." ~Margaret Thatcher

Daidalos

Quote from: DavidRoss on June 22, 2008, 05:01:42 AM
I've yet to get into opera on DVD.  Though the idea is very appealing, I've been bored by the few DVDs I've seen.  Guess I'll comb this tread to see if there are any strong recommendations I could try.

One thing that looks like a winner:  Kenneth Branaugh is completing a new film of The Magic Flute.  That might even entice me into the cinema!

Yes, that one I've seen. It was acquired by, ahem, dastardly illegal means, but I'll make up for it by buying the DVD when I get the chance.

I think the setting and translation worked remarkably well. Strangely enough, amidst all the zany CGI-effects and anachronisms, the plot seemed almost coherent. It was definitely an engaging production.
A legible handwriting is sign of a lack of inspiration.

Maciek


scarpia

I'm waiting for this one


marvinbrown

Quote from: scarpia on July 10, 2008, 01:35:54 PM
I'm waiting for this one



  I know you should never judge a book by its cover but after seeing that cover I am intrigued!  It has that "hellish" appeal about it, although I would hardly characterize Venus' grotto as "hellish".  If you do get a chance to see it scarpia please post a review.

  marvin

karlhenning

Quote from: Daidalos on June 22, 2008, 06:51:58 AM
Quote from: DavidRossOne thing that looks like a winner:  Kenneth Branaugh is completing a new film of The Magic Flute.  That might even entice me into the cinema!

Yes, that one I've seen. It was acquired by, ahem, dastardly illegal means, but I'll make up for it by buying the DVD when I get the chance.

I think the setting and translation worked remarkably well. Strangely enough, amidst all the zany CGI-effects and anachronisms, the plot seemed almost coherent. It was definitely an engaging production.

Excellent!  I have been hoping that one would prove worth the waiting.

DavidRoss

Quote from: karlhenning on July 11, 2008, 11:18:52 AM
Yes, that one I've seen. It was acquired by, ahem, dastardly illegal means, but I'll make up for it by buying the DVD when I get the chance.

I think the setting and translation worked remarkably well. Strangely enough, amidst all the zany CGI-effects and anachronisms, the plot seemed almost coherent. It was definitely an engaging production.


Excellent!  I have been hoping that one would prove worth the waiting.
Seems not to have been released in the US. 
"Maybe the problem most of you have ... is that you're not listening to Barbirolli." ~Sarge

"The problem with socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people's money." ~Margaret Thatcher

yashin

Is that new Tannhauser one of the dubbed ones?  Not keen on them.

I have been lucky to get some good new DVDs recently.

First, Don Pasquale with Simone Alaimo and Paticia Ciofi.  It is excellent.  Eveline Pido stirs up a storm with the orchestra and the whole thing just fizzes along.  Its one of those DVDs that you keep coming back too-dipping in for a few minutes of enjoyment.  Great comedy acting from Alaimo and super singing from Patricia Ciofi. Norman Shankle is Ernesto and he is a new singer to me.  He does not overact, just sings beautifully.  Highly recommended.

Second is L'Italiana in Algeri from the Belair classique label.  Whilst this opera is never going to be a favourite i really enjoyed it.  Maxim Miranov sings Lindoro and again he is someone i have not seen before.  He looks and sings great!

Third,  Falstaff from the TDK label with Ruggero Raimondi and Barbara Frittoli.  This is another opera i have found difficult to 'get into' but i really really enjoyed watching this production.  Ruggero Raimondi is excellent as Falstaff.  He has all the gestures and his voice is in good shape for his long years.  Danil Stoda and Mariola Cantarero sing the young lovers very well-even if he can't take his eyes off the conductor - a bit wooden to say the least.  Manuel Lanza i thought sang Ford really well.  Zubin Mehta is never a favourite of mine but here the orchestra is taught and thoroughly well played.  You know when you have a good DVD or CD -you dont need to buy another of the same opera.  For me this is the Falstaff i will turn too.

Oh some exciting DVDs coming out soon.  First, on the Dynamic label (www.dynamic.it) there are La Boheme with Massimo Pisapia and Norma Fantini.  It has just got a terrific review from one source and it was said to be the La Boheme of choice!

Then we have Mefistofele with Ferruccio Furlanetto , Faust is sung by Giuseppe Filianoti
Margherita is Dimitra Theodossiou. What a cast!  And it looks superb on the website.  There are some rough shot clips of this procuction on youtube.  Listen to Dimitra Theodossiou in this part.  We really need a modern Mefistofele on DVD and this could be it!

marvinbrown

Quote from: yashin on July 11, 2008, 10:57:01 PM
Is that new Tannhauser one of the dubbed ones?  Not keen on them.



  Dubbed  ??? ?? How could it be dubbed? It's from the Bayreuther Festpiele, if anything it should be a live performance, am I mistaken?

  marvin