Description

Carl Orff - Antigonae (DVD)

UPC: 4010228085556

Product Features

Title: Antigonae (A tragedy by Sophocles, translated by Friedrich Hölderlin)
Composer: Carl Orff
Conductor: Stefan Blunier
Stage Director: John Dew
Publisher: WERGO (in collaboration with Schott Music)
Language: German with English subtitles
Running Time: 139 minutes + 10-minute introduction
Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Sound: Dolby Stereo
Format: DVD-9 (PAL)
Year of Release: 2010

Overview

This Wergo Special Edition DVD features Carl Orff’s powerful musical adaptation of Sophocles' tragedy Antigonae, translated by Friedrich Hölderlin. This production, filmed at the Staatstheater Darmstadt, showcases the intricate and dramatic retelling of the ancient story, where Antigonae defies the edicts of her uncle Creon, ruler of Thebes, by burying her brother Polyneices. Her defiance and Creon’s harsh judgment lead to a cascade of tragic events that bring ruin to Thebes and to Creon’s family.

Carl Orff, renowned for his unique blend of dramatic intensity and musical innovation, brings Sophocles' work to life with his haunting score. Stefan Blunier conducts this visually striking and emotionally powerful production, which combines operatic elements with the minimalist and ritualistic style for which Orff is famous.

Cast and Crew

Antigonae: Katrin Gerstenberger
Ismene: Anja Vincken
Creon: Andreas Daum
Choragus: Oleksandr Prytolyuk
Hämon: Sven Ehrke
Tiresias: Mark Adler
Eurydice: Susanne Serfling
Stage Design: Heinz Balthes
Costume Design: José Manuel Vázquez
Chorus Master: André Weiss
Film Director: Peider A. Defilla

Special Features

Introduction: A 10-minute introduction by Dr. Thomas Rösch providing historical and thematic context for the performance.
Interactive Menus: Access to different scenes and chapters.

Interesting Facts

Carl Orff is best known for his work Carmina Burana, but his adaptation of Antigonae is considered one of his most profound works, blending classical tragedy with a modern musical score.
Antigonae was one of Orff's trilogy of operas based on ancient Greek tragedies, along with Oedipus and Prometheus.
The production at the Staatstheater Darmstadt is noted for its stark, minimalist set design and intense performances, which heighten the emotional and philosophical weight of the story.