Christoph Willibald Gluck's Alceste: A Tragic Opera in Three Acts

UPC 807280125191

Product Details

• Composer: Christoph Willibald Gluck
• Libretto by François-Louis Gand Leblanc Du Roullet, after Ranieri de' Calzabigi and Euripides
• Conductor: Constantinos Carydis
• Directors: Jossi Wieler and Sergio Morabito
• Stage Design and Costumes: Anna Viebrock
• Lighting: Klaus E. Zimmermann
• Chorus Master: Michael Alber
• Orchestra: Staatsorchester Stuttgart
• Chorus: Staatsopernchor Stuttgart
• Production Director: Heinz-J. Hilgeman
• Production Manager: Norbert Waldmann
• Editor: Harald Letfuss
• Directed for Television and Video by Nele Münchmeyer
• A Performance by the Staatsoper Stuttgart
• General Director: Klaus Zehelein
• Sound Format: PCM Stereo
• Picture Format: 16:9
• Menu Languages: GB, D, F, SP
• Subtitle Languages: GB, D, F (Original Language)
• Region Code: B (Worldwide)
• Running Time: 165 Min
• DVD9/NTSC

Overview

Alceste is a tragic opera in three acts by Christoph Willibald Gluck, based on the mythological story of Alcestis, who sacrifices her own life to save her husband, King Admetus. The opera was first performed in Vienna in 1767 and was revised by Gluck for a performance in Paris in 1776, which is the version presented in this recording.

The production features a talented cast of singers, led by Catherine Naglestad in the title role of Alceste. Donald Kaasch portrays King Admetus, while Bernhard Schneider sings the role of Evandre. The chorus and orchestra of the Staatsoper Stuttgart are conducted by Constantinos Carydis, who brings out the full range of emotions in Gluck's score.

The stage design and costumes by Anna Viebrock are striking and modern, with a minimalist set that allows the focus to remain on the singers and their performances. The lighting by Klaus E. Zimmermann adds to the dramatic atmosphere of the production.

Product Specifications

• Format: DVD Video
• Sound Format: PCM Stereo
• Picture Format: 16:9
• Menu Languages: GB, D, F, SP
• Subtitle Languages: GB, D, F (Original Language)
• Region Code: B (Worldwide)
• Running Time: 165 Min
• DVD9/NTSC

Cast and Crew

• Conductor: Constantinos Carydis
• Directors: Jossi Wieler and Sergio Morabito
• Stage Design and Costumes: Anna Viebrock
• Lighting: Klaus E. Zimmermann
• Chorus Master: Michael Alber
• Orchestra: Staatsorchester Stuttgart
• Chorus: Staatsopernchor Stuttgart
• Cast:
  • Alceste: Catherine Naglestad
  • King Admetus: Donald Kaasch
  • Evandre: Bernhard Schneider
  • Chorus Leader: Catriona Smith
  • High Priest/Thanatos: Johan Rydh
  • Voice of the Oracle: Nam Soo Kim
  • Apollo: Motti Kastón
  • Hercules: Michael Ebbecker
  • A Herald: Wolfgang Probst

Interesting Facts

• Alceste was one of Gluck's most popular operas during his lifetime and is still widely performed today.
• The opera is based on the mythological story of Alcestis, who sacrifices her own life to save her husband, King Admetus.
• The Paris version of Alceste, which is presented in this recording, was revised by Gluck to suit the tastes of the French audience.
• The production features a modern, minimalist set design that allows the focus to remain on the singers and their performances.