Carl Maria von Weber's Der Freischütz

UPC 807280127195

Product Details

• Composer: Carl Maria von Weber
• Libretto by Friedrich Kind, based on a novel by Johann August Apel
• Conductor: Leopold Ludwig
• Directed for TV by Joachim Hess
• Artistic Director: Rolf Liebermann
• A historical studio production from the Hamburg State Opera, 1968
• Produced by Polyphon Film-und Fernsehgesellschaft for NDR, 1968
• Orchestra: The Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra
• Chorus: The Chorus of the Hamburg State Opera
• Ballet: The Ballet of the Hamburg State Opera
• Sound Format: Mono
• Picture Format: 4:3 Colour
• Menu Languages: GB, D, F, SP
• Subtitle Languages: GB, D (Original Language), F, SP, IT
• Region Code: 0 (worldwide), NTSC
• Running Time: 123 min

Overview

Der Freischütz is a romantic opera in three acts by Carl Maria von Weber, with a libretto by Friedrich Kind based on a novel by Johann August Apel. The opera premiered in Berlin in 1821 and quickly became one of the most popular German operas of its time.

This historical studio production of Der Freischütz was filmed at the Hamburg State Opera in 1968, and features an all-star cast of singers and musicians. The Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra is conducted by Leopold Ludwig, and the production is directed for TV by Joachim Hess.

The opera tells the story of Max, a young huntsman who is in love with Agathe, the daughter of a local forester. In order to win her hand in marriage, Max must first pass a shooting contest. However, he has made a pact with the devilish Samiel, who promises to give him magical bullets that never miss their mark. The consequences of this pact are dire, as Max becomes embroiled in a supernatural struggle for his very soul.

The music of Der Freischütz is some of Weber's most beautiful and memorable, with lush orchestration and soaring vocal lines. The opera is also notable for its use of folk music and traditional German melodies, which give it a distinctly nationalistic flavor.

Product Specifications

• Format: DVD Video
• Sound Format: Mono
• Picture Format: 4:3 Colour
• Menu Languages: GB, D, F, SP
• Subtitle Languages: GB, D (Original Language), F, SP, IT
• Region Code: 0 (worldwide)
• Running Time: 123 min

Cast and Crew

• Conductor: Leopold Ludwig
• Directed for TV by Joachim Hess
• Artistic Director: Rolf Liebermann
• Orchestra: The Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra
• Chorus: The Chorus of the Hamburg State Opera
• Ballet: The Ballet of the Hamburg State Opera
• Cast:
  • Max: Ernst Kozub
  • Kaspar: Gottlob Frick
  • Kilian: Franz Grundheber
  • Cuno: Toni Blankenheim
  • Agathe: Arlene Saunders
  • Annchen: Edith Mathis
  • Prince Ottokar: Tom Krause
  • A Hermit: Hans Sotin
  • Samiel: Bernhard Minetti

Interesting Facts

• Der Freischütz is considered one of the first German romantic operas, and it had a major influence on the development of the genre.
• The opera was an instant success when it premiered in Berlin in 1821, and it quickly spread throughout Europe.
• The character of Samiel is based on the legend of the "Wild Huntsman," a supernatural figure who roams the forests with a pack of ghostly hounds.
• The magical bullets in the opera are said to be made from the bones of a dead man, and they are guided by the power of the devil.