Acting
The special aspect of the opera Alceste is its designation as the "first opera in the German language." The ancient drama about Alceste was written in the form of a play for theater by the Enlightenment playwright Christoph Marlin Wieland and set to music by the acclaimed late-18th-century composer Anton Schweitzer. This performance of the newly edited opera based on the historic play was begging to be captured on DVD. The demanding singing parts are delivered in brilliant manner by the four soloists, ably accompanied by Concerto Koln, one of the most renowned early music ensembles.
With the “Méditation”, Jules Massenet probably wrote one of the most famous melodies of our time. It originates from his comédie-lyrique Thaïs, which – unlike Massenet's operas Werther or Manon – never made it into the international opera repertoire. Presumably because the two main roles of Thaïs and Athanaël demand something almost superhuman from the singers. In the new production by Peter Konwitschny at the Theater an der Wien, the American soprano Nicole Chevalier is one of the most exciting singers currently on stage in the title role. At her side, the young Austrian bass-baritone Josef Wagner celebrates his house debut. This is a fascinating and musically excellent performance of a timeless classic of the opera repertoire.
This is the World Première Recording on DVD of Cavalli’s opera Il Giasone. The plot is loosely based on the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece, but the opera contains many comic elements too. This 2010 production from Antwerp is orchestrated and conducted by the internationally reputed baroque specialist Federico Maria Sardelli. It is directed by the young Frenchwoman Mariame Clément, who is currently making a name for herself with her infectious directing in German and French opera houses. The title role is sung by the promising French countertenor Christophe Dumaux.
The first-ever audio-visual recording of this opera – directed by Christof Loy, conducted by Marc Albrecht and with Sara Jakubiak, Brian Jagde and Josef Wagner in the leading roles
Sir Simon Rattle conducts Arnold Schönberg's Gurre-Lieder for the 75th anniversary of the Bavarian Radio Orchestra at Munich's Isar Philharmonic.
Mozart's masterpiece in a new production by Jean-Yves Ruf for the Dijon Opera! Should we introduce the opera of all operas, this ultimate mythical opera? It is the story of a seducer, during the last day before he falls to Hell, always trying to play with love and pleasures. This myth inspired numerous writers and composers, including Hoffmann, Kierkegaard, Wagner and yet always remains inspiring. With his wonderful and moving score, Mozart mixes humour with drama in this opera that always fascinated people. And this work has not yet unveiled all its secrets...
With unique staging by Joachim Schlomer, this 2006 Salzburg Festival production of the playful opera Mozart wrote when he was only 13 years old follows a group of men and women who weather the unpredictable ups and downs of love and romance. The cast includes Malin Hartelius, Jeremy Ovenden, Miljenko Turk, Josef Wagner and Marianne Hamre. Camerata Salzburg, conducted by Michael Hofstetter, provides musical accompaniment.
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