Description

Arrigo Boito - Mefistofele - DVD (Staged by Roland Schwab)

UPC: 0814337013929

Product Features

Title: Mefistofele by Arrigo Boito
Starring: René Pape as Mefistofele, Joseph Calleja as Faust, Kristine Opolais as Margherita, Karine Babajanyan as Elena
Conductor: Omer Meir Wellber (Bayerisches Staatsorchester)
Chorus: Chorus and Children's Chorus of the Bayerische Staatsoper
Stage Director: Roland Schwab
Set Designer: Piero Vinciguerra
Costume Designer: Renée Listerdal
Lighting Designer: Michael Bauer
Choreographer: Stefano Giannetti
Video Director: Tiziano Mancini
Recording: Live at Bayerische Staatsoper, Munich
Subtitles: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
Format: DVD, NTSC, Region Code: Worldwide
Sound: DTS 5.1, PCM Stereo
Total Running Time: 140 minutes
High Definition: Yes

Overview

Arrigo Boito’s Mefistofele is a rare and ambitious opera, adapting Goethe’s Faust into a grand operatic form. Known primarily as the librettist for Verdi’s Otello and Falstaff, Boito’s own composition shines in this visually stunning production staged by Roland Schwab at the Bayerische Staatsoper. The production is a modern and dynamic interpretation, featuring powerful performances by René Pape as the devilish Mefistofele and Joseph Calleja as Faust. Kristine Opolais gives a heartfelt portrayal of Margherita, while Karine Babajanyan impresses as Elena.

Under the masterful baton of Omer Meir Wellber, the Bayerisches Staatsorchester delivers Boito’s dramatic and musically complex score with precision and depth. The production’s grand scale is enhanced by Piero Vinciguerra's imaginative set design, Michael Bauer's atmospheric lighting, and Renée Listerdal’s stylish costumes. The combination of strong vocal performances, inventive staging, and visual splendor makes this production of Mefistofele a must-see for opera enthusiasts.

Interesting Facts

Mefistofele is the only opera composed by Arrigo Boito, who is better known as the librettist for Verdi’s masterpieces, Otello and Falstaff.
This production, staged at the Bayerische Staatsoper, brings together a world-class cast, including René Pape, one of the most acclaimed basses of his generation.
The opera is based on Goethe’s Faust and spans both parts of the literary work, making it a monumental task to bring to the stage.
This Munich production has been praised for its striking visuals, including modern sets, creative use of lighting, and choreographed movements.
Omer Meir Wellber, a conductor of the new generation, leads the Bayerisches Staatsorchester in a performance that blends powerful orchestration with subtle nuances.