Description
Beethoven's Fidelio (Live Recording at Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia) DVD
UPC 880242724984
Overview
Beethoven’s Fidelio, his only opera, stands as a profound testament to the triumph of liberty, loyalty, and love over oppression. This celebrated production, staged in 2006 at Valencia’s Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, marked the inaugural season of this esteemed venue, making it a landmark event in the international opera world. Under the masterful direction of Pierluigi Pier'Alli, whose approach seamlessly melds visual art with stage drama, and conducted by the legendary Zubin Mehta, this performance captures the full emotional range of Beethoven’s stirring score with powerful resonance.
The production boasts an extraordinary cast, including Waltraud Meier as Leonore, a devoted wife who courageously infiltrates a prison to save her husband, Florestan, portrayed by Peter Seiffert. Both Meier and Seiffert are globally celebrated for their mastery in the German operatic repertoire, bringing intensity and depth to their roles. Joining them is Finnish bass Matti Salminen as Rocco, the conflicted jailer, whose powerful presence further adds to the opera’s emotional complexity.
The Cor de la Generalitat Valenciana, under Chorus Master Francesc Perales, and the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana bring Beethoven’s orchestration to life, underscoring each scene with vibrant energy and haunting beauty. The iconic “Prisoners’ Chorus,” with its plaintive cry for freedom, stands out as one of the most moving moments, capturing the opera’s themes of hope and resilience.
Recorded live on several nights in October 2006 by video director Tiziano Mancini, this NTSC DVD preserves the full impact of the production with visual clarity and immersive sound quality. Ideal for both devoted opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this Fidelio recording offers an unforgettable experience of Beethoven’s inspirational masterpiece in a fresh, contemporary setting.
Product Features
- Cast: Waltraud Meier (Leonore), Peter Seiffert (Florestan), Matti Salminen (Rocco), Ildikó Raimondi, Rainer Trost, Carsten Stabell, Juha Uusitalo
- Chorus: Cor de la Generalitat Valenciana, Chorus Master Francesc Perales
- Orchestra: Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana
- Conductor: Zubin Mehta
- Stage Direction: Pierluigi Pier'Alli
- Video Director: Tiziano Mancini
- Recording Date: October 21, 22, 25, 31, 2006
- Region Code: All
- Subtitles: Multiple language options available
- Running Time: 151 minutes
- TV Format: NTSC
- Sound Format: Dolby Digital Stereo
Interesting Facts
- This performance of Fidelio was part of the grand opening of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia’s opera season in Valencia, solidifying its place as a premier venue in the international opera circuit.
- Waltraud Meier and Peter Seiffert, celebrated for their powerful Wagnerian roles, bring the same intensity to Beethoven’s work, making their portrayals of Leonore and Florestan memorable for audiences.
- Fidelio reflects Beethoven's deep commitment to ideals of liberty and justice, and it remains a timeless statement on human rights and personal courage.
- The role of Rocco, the jailer, is performed by the legendary bass Matti Salminen, who adds a complex, commanding presence to the character.
- Zubin Mehta, known for his dynamic conducting, enhances the emotional depth of Beethoven’s score, drawing rich sounds from the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana.
Track Listing
-
Act I
- Overture
- Dialogue: Leonore and Marzelline
- "O Welche Lust" (Chorus)
- Prisoners’ Chorus
- Finale: "Nie wird sich Friede und Freude mehren"
-
Act II
- Introduction
- Florestan’s Aria
- "Mir ist so wunderbar" (Quartet)
- Leonore’s Aria
- Finale: Freedom Chorus
Publishers
- Label: UNITEL CLASSICA, Medici Arts
- Distributor: Witt Lanska Incogenes
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