Description

Death in Venice - John Neumeier

UPC: 4058407092742

Product Features

Title: Death in Venice (Tod in Venedig) by John Neumeier
Format: DVD Video (NTSC)
Running Time: 123 minutes (Ballet) + 59 minutes (Bonus)
Sound Format: PCM Stereo
Picture Format: 16:9
Languages:Region Code: 0 (Region Free)
- Original Language: German
- Subtitle Languages for Bonus Features: English, French
Production:
- Live Recording: From the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, 2004
- Choreography, Staging & Lighting Design: John Neumeier
- Set Design: Peter Schmidt
- Costume Design: John Neumeier and Peter Schmidt
- Piano: Elizabeth Cooper
Cast:
- Lloyd Riggins as Gustav von Aschenbach, Master Choreographer
- Laura Cazzaniga as His Assistant, His Mother, Tadzio's Mother
- Ivan Urban as His "Friedrich der Grosse"
- Hélène Bouchet as His "La Barbarina"
- Silvia Azzoni, Alexandre Riabko as His "Concepts"
- Edvin Revazov as Tadzio
- Jiří Bubeníček, Otto Bubeníček as The Wayfarer
- Arsen Megrabian as Jaschu, Tadzio's Friend
- Konstantin Tselikov as A Younger Aschenbach

Overview

Death in Venice (Tod in Venedig) is a profound ballet adaptation by John Neumeier, inspired by Thomas Mann's iconic novella. The production delves into themes of love, art, obsession, and mortality, set against the haunting backdrop of Venice. Neumeier’s interpretation transforms the story into a "Dance of Death," where the protagonist, Gustav von Aschenbach, a master choreographer, is captivated by the beauty of a young boy named Tadzio. This ballet explores Aschenbach's inner conflict between artistic discipline and human emotion, culminating in his tragic surrender to passion and death.

The ballet features music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Richard Wagner, adding depth to the narrative's exploration of love and death. Neumeier not only choreographed but also designed the staging and lighting, creating a cohesive and immersive visual experience. This recording from the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden in 2004 captures the emotional intensity and artistic brilliance of Neumeier’s vision, performed by the Hamburg Ballet.

Interesting Facts

John Neumeier, one of the most influential choreographers of our time, is known for his narrative-driven ballets that often explore complex psychological themes. Death in Venice is considered one of his masterpieces.
The ballet’s score, combining the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and Richard Wagner, reflects the dual themes of spiritual reflection and passionate turmoil, echoing the novella's exploration of the tension between Apollonian and Dionysian impulses.
The special feature, Another Liebestod - Der andere Liebestod, provides a deeper insight into Neumeier's creative process and includes rehearsal footage, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of literature, music, and dance.