What's the Best Parsifal on DVD?

[Haffner]

I'm seriously considering the Jerusalem-fronted dvd. Any better? I love the "thundering" Wagner, if that helps.

[bhodges]

Here are a few ideas in this thread.  I've seen the Syberberg film years ago and it's quite interesting, staged on a huge white abstract set that turns out to be a death mask of Wagner. 

--Bruce

[Haffner]

Here are a few ideas in this thread.  I've seen the Syberberg film years ago and it's quite interesting, staged on a huge white abstract set that turns out to be a death mask of Wagner. 

--Bruce

Thanks Bruce! As to the Syberberg, is this a good place to start for a person who hasn't heard much of Parsifal, much less seen the opera?

[bhodges]

Well...good question.  It's long (255 minutes) and as I recall, heavy going in places.  (I should say that I don't know the opera all that well.)  Here is a pretty good article on it.  You might try borrowing it first, maybe from a library, before plunging in with a purchase. 

--Bruce

[uffeviking]

On top of my list of Parsifals - not a long one to begin with! - is the Nikolaus Lehnhoff production, Kent Nagano conducting the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester. Matti Salminen and Thomas Hampson are carrying the show!

[bhodges]

On top of my list of Parsifals - not a long one to begin with! - is the Nikolaus Lehnhoff production, Kent Nagano conducting the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester. Matti Salminen and Thomas Hampson are carrying the show!

Everything I read says this is the best modern interpretation (on DVD, that is).  FYI, here is an interesting Amazon list of "Essential Parsifals", although I don't know this reviewer.  (He does describe himself as a "scourge of modern music," which might mean he and I would have some "interesting" conversations.  )

--Bruce

[uffeviking]

The words 'modern' and 'contemporary' should not scare anybody away from this splendid production. Nobody is prancing around clad in bikinis; the costumes are all very tasteful fantasy creations, a lot of white, flowing attire.

I should have mentioned Waltraud Meier in one of her signature roles: Kundry! Superb!

[bhodges]

I should have mentioned Waltraud Meier in one of her signature roles: Kundry! Superb!

She is wonderful.  I have the Parsifal CD with her in the same role, with the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Barenboim.

--Bruce

[Haffner]

On top of my list of Parsifals - not a long one to begin with! - is the Nikolaus Lehnhoff production, Kent Nagano conducting the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester. Matti Salminen and Thomas Hampson are carrying the show!

Salminen was amazing in the Ring...!

[uffeviking]

Salminen was amazing in the Ring...!

Salminen is amazing in just about everything he does - even his personal outlook on life! I read an interview where he was asked why he does not aspire to become one of those famous festival directors, so many older singers chose for their retirement. Matti said - (quoted from my memory) - : "I'll sing as long as I can still sing and when I can't sing any more, I'll go fishing!"

[Haffner]

Salminen is amazing in just about everything he does - even his personal outlook on life! I read an interview where he was asked why he does not aspire to become one of those famous festival directors, so many older singers chose for their retirement. Matti said - (quoted from my memory) - : "I'll sing as long as I can still sing and when I can't sing any more, I'll go fishing!"

I'd love to read that interview! He was the ultimate Hagen, for me at least.

[Wendell_E]

On top of my list of Parsifals - not a long one to begin with! - is the Nikolaus Lehnhoff production, Kent Nagano conducting the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester. Matti Salminen and Thomas Hampson are carrying the show!

I'll enthusiastically second that recommendation!

Thanks Bruce! As to the Syberberg, is this a good place to start for a person who hasn't heard much of Parsifal, much less seen the opera?

I'd say no.  I do like it.  I'd seen it on VHS tapes I'd checked out of the library, and the very day I broke down and got a DVD player, I also got online and ordered the Syberberg Parsifal.  But as the review Bruce linked to points out "The density of allusion in the film is enormous and too much to comprehend in a single viewing" and I think all that extra symbolism (as in everything but the kitchen sink) might be confusing to a Parsifal newbie.  As would having a heldentenor voice coming out of a boy who changes into a woman.   

[marvinbrown]

Everything I read says this is the best modern interpretation (on DVD, that is).  FYI, here is an interesting Amazon list of "Essential Parsifals", although I don't know this reviewer.  (He does describe himself as a "scourge of modern music," which might mean he and I would have some "interesting" conversations.  )

--Bruce

  Hi Bruce, looking through that amazon list I was surprised to see the MET Levine production of Parsifal at No.13 (top 20).  I saw that DVD production a few years ago and the cast performance wise failed to make a lasting impression on me.  In fact all I can remember was that at the end of that production a "stream" of light would emanate from the "holy grail" which would light up! Perhaps I should go back and watch it again!!! 


  marvin   

[head-case]

I'm seriously considering the Jerusalem-fronted dvd. Any better? I love the "thundering" Wagner, if that helps.

There are two Jerusalem-fronted Parsifal's, neither one is that good, IMO.  But that's not a surprise, given that it's Parsifal.  The Bayreuth production looks better but sounds worse than the Met production, IMO.