Das Rheingold - Opus Arte 2 DVD Set

UPC: 809478009467

Product Features

• Composer: Richard Wagner
• Musical Director: Hartmut Haenchen
• Stage Director: Pierre Audi
• Starring:Orchestra: Residentie Orchestra
  • John Bröcheler
  • Henk Smit
  • Graham Clark
  • Reinhild Runkel
  • Chris Merritt
  • Anne Gjevang
• Running Time: 304 minutes
• Audio Format: LACM Stereo, PAL format, all regions
• Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Japanese
• Production Year: TV Recording © 1999
• Bonus Features:
  • Illustrated synopsis
  • Cast gallery
  • Documentary: "The Forging of the Ring" (50 minutes)

Overview

Das Rheingold is the mesmerizing prologue to Richard Wagner's monumental Der Ring des Nibelungen, a mythological epic where power and love collide in a timeless struggle. This exceptional performance from Het Muziektheater Amsterdam, directed by Pierre Audi, sets a new standard in visual and musical storytelling. With breathtaking sets designed by George Tsypin and stunning costumes by Oscar-winner Eiko Ishioka, the stage comes alive, transporting audiences to a mythical realm. The orchestra, led by the passionate Hartmut Haenchen, amplifies Wagner's rich, emotional score, blending perfectly with the magnificent performances of the cast.

Recorded live in 1999, this Opus Arte production showcases the talents of a stellar cast, including John Bröcheler as Wotan, Henk Smit as Alberich, Graham Clark as Loge, and Anne Gjevang as Erda. A unique feature is the circular, "ring-shaped" orchestral setup that elevates the visual and auditory experience to a captivating level, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats.

This special edition includes a 50-minute documentary, The Forging of the Ring, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the making of this grand opera, with exclusive interviews with the conductor, director, and principal cast members.

Interesting Facts

• Das Rheingold is the first of four operas that make up Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen, often referred to as "The Ring Cycle."
• Pierre Audi, the stage director, is renowned for his innovative and avant-garde interpretations of classical operas, making this production a visual feast.
• The production uses the new Complete Edition of Wagner's works, offering a more faithful version of the opera as Wagner intended.
• George Tsypin, the set designer, has worked on some of the most memorable opera and theater productions globally, including the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
• Eiko Ishioka, who designed the costumes, is an Academy Award-winning designer known for her work in films like Bram Stoker's Dracula and The Cell.
• The Residentie Orchestra, founded in 1904, is one of the Netherlands’ oldest and most respected orchestras, with a rich history of performing classical and contemporary works.

Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Prelude
2. Scene 1: The Rhinegold
3. Scene 2: Alberich's Curse
4. Scene 3: The Gods' Arrival at Valhalla

Disc 2:

1. Scene 4: Wotan's Deal with the Giants
2. Scene 5: The Theft of the Ring
3. Scene 6: Loge's Scheme
4. Scene 7: The Gods' Ascent to Valhalla

Publishers

• Opus Arte
• De Nederlandse Opera
• NPS