Arrigo Boito: Legendary Mefistofele – A Decadent Operatic Triumph | SAN FRANCISCO OPERA DVD

Product Information

• UPC: 807280914795
• Product Type: DVD
• Genre: Opera – Live Performance, Classical Music
• Original Language: Italian
• Subtitles: English, German, French, Spanish
• Format: DVD (NTSC)
• Picture Format: 4:3
• Region Code: 0
• Running Time: 160 minutes
• Catalog No.: 100147

Overview

"San Francisco Opera: Legendary Mefistofele" presents an awe-inspiring live performance from 1989 of Arrigo Boito’s visionary opera Mefistofele. This production reimagines the Faust legend with imaginative fidelity to Goethe’s original conception while delivering a score enriched with lush orchestral textures, lyrical passages, and stirring choral interludes. Directed by the acclaimed Robert Carsen and conducted by Maurizio Arena, this decadent and theatrically stunning rendition is a must-see for opera aficionados. Praised by The New York Times for its sensitivity to both the music and Boito’s intentions, the performance features an unforgettable portrayal of Mefistofele by the powerful bass Samuel Ramey, alongside the extraordinary talents of Gabriela Beňačková, Dennis O'Neill, and Judith Christin.

Product Features

• Sound Format: PCM Stereo
• Picture Format: 4:3
• Subtitles: English, German, French, Spanish
• Running Time: 160 minutes
• Production: Made in Austria; Copy protected DVD licensed for non-commercial private use only
• Additional Info: Produced by Monarda Arts in collaboration with WNET/THIRTEEN (New York) and KQFD/San Francisco Opera

Interesting Facts

Artistic and Historical Insights

• Innovative Interpretation: Arrigo Boito’s Mefistofele is celebrated for its imaginative approach to the Faust legend, blending rich orchestral sounds with lyrical and choral beauty that captures the essence of its literary roots.
• Visionary Production: Robert Carsen’s sumptuous, post-modern staging delivers a visually decadent and emotionally charged experience, redefining traditional operatic presentation with a contemporary edge.
• Stellar Performances: Samuel Ramey, in the title role, has won universal acclaim for his commanding stage presence and powerful bass, making his portrayal of Mefistofele truly unforgettable. The ensemble cast, including Gabriela Beňačková, Dennis O'Neill, and Judith Christin, further elevates this landmark production.
• Critical Acclaim: Hailed by critics, including The New York Times, for its sensitive execution and faithful yet innovative treatment of Boito’s intentions, this performance stands as one of the most significant operatic achievements of the 20th century.

Publishers

Produced by Monarda Arts in collaboration with WNET/THIRTEEN, New York, and KQFD/San Francisco Opera in 1989. All rights reserved.
Cat. No.: NTSC/100147

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#SanFranciscoOpera #LegendaryMefistofele #ArrigoBoito #LiveOpera #SamuelRamey #ArthausMusik