Beethoven's Fidelio: A Historic Production from Hamburg

UPC: 807280127591

Product Features

• Title: Fidelio
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Librettists: Joseph Sonnleithner, Stephan von Breuning, and Georg Friedrich Treitschke, based on Jean Nicolas Bouilly's "Léonore ou L'Amour conjugal"
• Main Cast: Hans Sotin (Don Fernando), Theo Adam (Don Pizarro), Richard Cassilly (Florestan), Anja Silja (Leonore), Ernst Wiemann (Rocco), Lucia Popp (Marzelline), Erwin Wohlfahrt (Jacquino), Kurt Marschner (First Prisoner), William Workman (Second Prisoner)
• Orchestra: Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra
• Chorus: Chorus of the Hamburg State Opera
• Conductor: Leopold Ludwig
• Directed for TV by: Joachim Hess
• Artistic Director: Rolf Liebermann
• Production Year: 1968
• Produced by: Polyphon Film- und Fernsehgesellschaft for NDR
• Sound Format: Mono
• Picture Format: 4:3 Color
• Running Time: 115 minutes
• DVD Format: DVD9 NTSC
• Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
• Subtitle Languages: English (GB), German (D, Original Language), French (F), Spanish (SP), Italian (IT)

Overview

This historical studio production of Beethoven's "Fidelio," recorded at the Hamburg State Opera in 1968, stands as a testament to the enduring power of Beethoven's only opera. Under the baton of Leopold Ludwig and featuring a stellar cast including Anja Silja as Leonore and Richard Cassilly as Florestan, this production captures the opera's essence of love, sacrifice, and freedom. The performance is enhanced by the distinguished voices of Hans Sotin, Theo Adam, and the luminous Lucia Popp, under the artistic direction of Rolf Liebermann. This DVD offers a mono sound format that preserves the original audio quality and a classic 4:3 color picture format, providing opera enthusiasts with a glimpse into the past performances of this timeless work.

Interesting Facts

• Lucia Popp: Celebrated for her clear and pure voice, Lucia Popp shines as Marzelline, adding depth to this historic recording.
• Anja Silja: Known for her dramatic intensity, Silja's portrayal of Leonore is a highlight of this production, showcasing her powerful vocal and emotional range.
• Rolf Liebermann: As the artistic director, Liebermann played a crucial role in making the Hamburg State Opera a hub for innovative opera productions during his tenure.

Key Credits

• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Performers: Hans Sotin, Theo Adam, Richard Cassilly, Anja Silja, Lucia Popp
• Conductor: Leopold Ludwig

Hashtags

#Fidelio #Beethoven #Opera #AnjaSilja #LuciaPopp #TheoAdam #HansSotin #RichardCassilly #LeopoldLudwig #RolfLiebermann #HamburgStateOpera #ClassicalMusic #HistoricProduction