Albéniz - Merlin | Opus Arte 2 DVD Set

UPC: 809478000884

Product Features

• Composer: Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909)
• Conductor: José de Eusebio
• Stage Director: John Dew
• Featuring:Orchestra and Chorus: Coro y Orquesta Titular del Teatro Real (Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid)
  • Merlin: David Wilson-Johnson
  • Morgan le Fay: Eva Marton
  • Arthur: Stuart Skelton
  • Nivian: Carol Vaness
  • Mordred: Angel Odena
  • King Lot of Orkney: Victor Garcia Sierra
• 
  Coro de Niños de la Comunidad de Madrid
• Running Time: Approx. 184 minutes
• Audio Format: Dolby Digital Stereo
• Picture Format: 16:9 Anamorphic, PAL
• Subtitles: English, German, Spanish, French
• Region Code: 0 (All Regions)
• Label: Opus Arte

Overview

After over a century of obscurity, Isaac Albéniz’s Merlin finally receives its world premiere in this stunning production, conducted by José de Eusebio at the Teatro Real de Madrid. Albéniz, best known for his Spanish piano works, composed this opera between 1898 and 1902 with an English libretto by his patron, Francis Burdett Money-Coutts. Thought to have been lost, the score was meticulously reconstructed from manuscripts and publisher’s proofs.

Set in a world of magic and legend, Merlin brings to life the Arthurian tales with rich Wagnerian influences and Albéniz’s distinctive style. This lavish production directed by John Dew features a stellar cast led by David Wilson-Johnson as Merlin and Eva Marton as Morgan le Fay. The opera, sung in English, transports audiences into a realm of fantasy and intrigue, with magical staging and evocative lighting.

Interesting Facts

• Merlin is part of Albéniz's "Arthurian Trilogy," which also includes Lancelot and Guinevere, though Merlin is the only opera completed and performed.
• The score was thought to be lost for decades, until it was painstakingly reconstructed by José de Eusebio, making this 2003 production a historic moment for the world of opera.
• Isaac Albéniz, primarily known for his piano works, was influenced by Wagner’s operas, which is evident in Merlin's grand, orchestral sound.
• This production was a co-production between Teatro Real de Madrid, BBC Wales, and TVE, and is notable for its use of imaginative staging that merges the medieval and the fantastical.

Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Act I – Merlin and Arthur’s Quest
2. Act II – The Struggle for Power

Disc 2:

1. Act III – The Final Battle and Betrayal

Extra Features

• Interviews with José de Eusebio, Eva Marton, and David Wilson-Johnson discussing the opera and its historical significance.
• Cast Gallery with photos and profiles of the principal performers.

Publishers

• Opus Arte
• Teatro Real de Madrid
• BBC Wales
• TVE