Henry Purcell: King Arthur – Salzburger Festspiele (2DVD)

UPC: 880242545091

Product Features

• Title: Henry Purcell: King Arthur – A Dramatick Opera in Five Acts
• Performers: Isabel Rey, Barbara Bonney, Birgit Remmert, Michael Schade, Oliver Widmer
• Orchestra and Choir: Wiener Staatsopernchor, Concentus Musicus Wien
• Conductor: Nikolaus Harnoncourt
• Stage Director: Jürgen Flimm
• TV Director: Hannes Rossacher
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, German, Finnish
• Picture Format: PAL 16:9 anamorphic
• Sound Formats: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1
• Region Code: Region Free (0)
• Running Time: 74 minutes (DVD 1), 95 minutes (DVD 2)
• Publisher: EuroArts / ZDF / Arte
• Recording Location: Live from the Salzburger Festspiele, Felsenreitschule, 24-28 July 2004
• Disc Format: DVD 5

Overview

This 2DVD set presents a magnificent performance of Henry Purcell’s King Arthur, staged live at the Salzburger Festspiele in July 2004. Under the direction of legendary conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt, the Wiener Staatsopernchor and Concentus Musicus Wien deliver a rich and authentic interpretation of Purcell’s semi-opera. With the renowned Jürgen Flimm directing the stage production, this performance blends theatrical ingenuity with baroque musical mastery.

King Arthur, one of Purcell's most famous works, combines dramatic action, song, and dance, creating a uniquely English genre of opera. The all-star cast includes celebrated singers such as Isabel Rey, Barbara Bonney, and Michael Schade, who bring the characters to life with exquisite vocal performances. This production's sets and costumes evoke the mystical and heroic world of King Arthur, with standout performances by actors and vocalists alike.

The performance was recorded live at the iconic Felsenreitschule theater, one of Salzburg's most picturesque venues, and directed for television by Hannes Rossacher.

Interesting Facts

• Nikolaus Harnoncourt is one of the most revered conductors in early music, known for his historically informed performances, and his work on this production of King Arthur is considered a landmark interpretation.
• Jürgen Flimm, the stage director, has been a key figure in German theater and opera, known for his creative and innovative approach to classic works.
• The Salzburger Festspiele is one of the world’s most prestigious music and drama festivals, and this production was staged in the Felsenreitschule, a stunning open-air theater carved into the rock.
• The DVD includes both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 sound, providing a full surround sound experience, ideal for capturing the grandeur of live opera.
• The role of King Arthur is performed by actor Michael Maertens, who brings depth and gravitas to the character, despite it being a spoken role in this semi-opera.

Track Listing

DVD 1

• King Arthur, Acts I–III
  • Running Time: 74 minutes

DVD 2

• King Arthur, Acts IV–V
  • Running Time: 95 minutes

Publishers

• EuroArts
• ZDF
• Arte

Hashtags

#KingArthur #HenryPurcell #NikolausHarnoncourt #BarbaraBonney #SalzburgerFestspiele #WienerStaatsopernchor #ConcentusMusicusWien #BaroqueOpera #EuroArts #LivePerformance #JürgenFlimm #OperaDVD