Description

Christoph Willibald Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice - A Film by Ondřej Havelka

UPC: 807280218497

Product Features

Composer: Christoph Willibald Gluck
Opera: Orfeo ed Euridice (Vienna Version, 1762)
Libretto: Ranieri de' Calzabigi
Conductor: Václav Luks
Orchestra and Choir: Collegium 1704, Collegium Vocale 1704
Principal Cast:Director: Ondřej Havelka
- Bejun Mehta as Orfeo
- Eva Liebau as Euridice
- Regula Mühlemann as Amore
Set Designer: Zdeněk Flemming
Costume Designer: Jana Zbořilová
Choreographer: Andrea Miltnerová
Director of Photography: Jan Malíř
Artistic Advisor: Bejun Mehta
Filming Location: Baroque Theatre of Český Krumlov Castle
Sound Format: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.0
Picture Format: 16:9
Subtitle Languages: Italian (Original), English, German, French, Spanish, Korean
Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
Run Time: 75 minutes
DVD Format: NTSC
Label: Arthaus Musik GmbH

Overview

This DVD presents a captivating cinematic adaptation of Christoph Willibald Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice, filmed at the historic Baroque Theatre of Český Krumlov Castle. Directed by Ondřej Havelka, this production blends the timeless beauty of Gluck's music with a visually stunning cinematic approach that brings the opera's drama and emotion to life in an intimate setting.

The opera, based on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, is one of the most significant works in the history of music, known for its reformist style that brought a new depth of expression to the operatic form. This film version captures the essence of Gluck's masterpiece, with the brilliant countertenor Bejun Mehta leading the cast as Orfeo, alongside Eva Liebau as Euridice and Regula Mühlemann as Amore.

Under the direction of Václav Luks, Collegium 1704 and Collegium Vocale 1704 deliver an authentic performance, deeply rooted in the baroque tradition. The film not only showcases the musical performance but also explores the historical and architectural beauty of the Český Krumlov Castle, enhancing the viewer’s experience.

Interesting Facts

Orfeo ed Euridice is a landmark in opera history, marking Gluck's attempt to reform the opera seria style by emphasizing simplicity, dramatic integrity, and emotional expression.
Bejun Mehta, who stars as Orfeo, is one of the world’s leading countertenors and served as the artistic advisor for this production, ensuring historical and musical accuracy.
The Baroque Theatre of Český Krumlov Castle is one of the best-preserved baroque theatres in the world, providing an authentic and atmospheric backdrop for this opera film.
This production uses period instruments and historically informed performance practices, offering an experience that is as close as possible to what audiences in the 18th century would have heard and seen.
The film was produced by a consortium of European broadcasters, including ORF, UNITEL CLASSICA, and Arthaus Musik, known for their high-quality classical music recordings.

Track Listing

Act I
Act II
Act III

Publishers

Produced by: Clasart, Unitel Classica, ORF, and Arthaus Musik
Distributed by: Arthaus Musik GmbH

From Backside:

The Baroque Theatre of Český Krumlov Castle provides an ideal setting for one of the most important operas in music history, Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice. Director Ondřej Havelka captures much more than a stage performance: combining period details with modern psychological interpretation he chooses a cinematic approach that literally takes us behind the scenes of this unique venue.