Description

Christoph Willibald Gluck's Iphigénie en Tauride DVD

UPC: 0807280037791

Product Features

Title: Iphigénie en Tauride by Christoph Willibald Gluck
Conductor: William Christie
Stage Director: Claus Guth
Stage and Costume Design: Christian Schmidt
Lighting Designer: Jürgen Hoffmann
Chorus Master: Jürg Hämmerli
Dramaturgy: Bettina Auer
Choreography: Helge Letonja
Performers:Orchestra: "La Scintilla" of the Zurich Opera House
- Iphigénie: Juliette Galstian
- Oreste: Rodney Gilfry
- Pylade: Deon van der Walt
- Thoas: Anton Scharinger
- Diane: Martina Janková
- Femme grecque: Anna Soranno
- Première prêtresse: Lisa Lorenz
- Seconde prêtresse: Eleanor Paunovic
- Scythe: Michael Mrosek
- Ministre: Thomas Pütz
- Doubles: Paul Lorenger, Catharine Villiger, Bernhard Rubin, Eva Zmekova
Chorus: Chorus, Ballet School, and Supernumerary Association of the Zurich Opera House
Format: DVD (NTSC, Region Code: 0)
Language: French with subtitles in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian
Sound: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1
Picture Format: 16:9
Running Time: 108 minutes
Publisher: Arthaus Musik
Release Year: 2011
Special Features: Live performance from the Zurich Opera House, recorded in 2001

Overview

Christoph Willibald Gluck's Iphigénie en Tauride is a powerful opera in four acts that explores themes of fate, family, and redemption. This production, recorded live at the Zurich Opera House in 2001, features the acclaimed conductor William Christie leading the Orchestra "La Scintilla" in a performance that captures the intense emotions and dramatic depth of Gluck’s music. Directed by Claus Guth, the staging is visually stunning, with modern set and costume designs by Christian Schmidt that complement the timeless nature of the story.

The cast is led by Juliette Galstian as Iphigénie, with Rodney Gilfry as Oreste and Deon van der Walt as Pylade, delivering performances that bring out the complex relationships and tragic destiny of the characters. This DVD offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Gluck’s most celebrated operas, known for its expressive arias and powerful choral sections.

Interesting Facts

Iphigénie en Tauride is considered one of Gluck’s greatest operas and is a key work in the reform of opera that he championed, focusing on dramatic coherence and the integration of music and drama.
This production is noted for its minimalist and modern visual approach, which enhances the psychological intensity of the narrative.
The opera is based on the ancient Greek myth of Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon, and explores themes of sacrifice, revenge, and the gods' influence on human lives.
William Christie, a renowned conductor specializing in Baroque and Classical repertoire, brings a historically informed approach to this performance, drawing out the nuances of Gluck's score.