Krzysztof Penderecki's The Devils of Loudun

USB 807280127997

Product Details

• Composer: Krzysztof Penderecki
• Libretto by Krzysztof Penderecki, based on John Whiting's dramatization of Aldous Huxley's "The Devils of Loudun" in the German translation by Erich Fried
• Conductor: Marek Janowski
• Directed for TV by Joachim Hess
• Artistic Director: Rolf Liebermann
• General Artistic Director: Krzysztof Penderecki
• A historical studio production from the Hamburg State Opera, 1969
• Produced by Polyphon Film- und Fernsehgesellschaft for NDR, 1969
• Orchestra: The Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra
• Chorus: The Chorus of the Hamburg State Opera
• Sound Format: Mono
• Picture Format: 4:3 Colour
• Menu Languages: GB, D, F, SP
• Subtitle Languages: GB, D (Original Language), F, SP, IT
• Region Code: 0 (worldwide)
• Running Time: 108 min

Overview

The Devils of Loudun is an opera in three acts by Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki, with a libretto by the composer based on John Whiting's dramatization of Aldous Huxley's novel "The Devils of Loudun." The opera premiered at the Hamburg State Opera in 1969 and was subsequently filmed for television.

The story is set in the 17th-century French town of Loudun, where a group of nuns are believed to be possessed by demons. The charismatic priest Urbain Grandier is accused of being in league with the devil and is put on trial. The opera explores themes of religious fanaticism, political intrigue, and sexual repression.

Penderecki's score is noted for its innovative use of sound, including extended vocal techniques, unconventional instruments, and electronic effects. The music is often dissonant and unsettling, reflecting the dark and disturbing subject matter of the opera.

This historical studio production of The Devils of Loudun was filmed after the world premiere from the Hamburg State Opera in 1969. The production is directed for TV by Joachim Hess, and the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra and the Chorus of the Hamburg State Opera are conducted by Marek Janowski.

Product Specifications

• Format: DVD Video
• Sound Format: Mono
• Picture Format: 4:3 Colour
• Menu Languages: GB, D, F, SP
• Subtitle Languages: GB, D (Original Language), F, SP, IT
• Region Code: 0 (worldwide), NTSC
• Running Time: 108 min

Cast and Crew

• Conductor: Marek Janowski
• Directed for TV by Joachim Hess
• Artistic Director: Rolf Liebermann
• General Artistic Director: Krzysztof Penderecki
• Orchestra: The Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra
• Chorus: The Chorus of the Hamburg State Opera
• Cast:
  • Jeanne: Tatiana Troyanos
  • Urbain Grandier: Andrzej Hiolski
  • Father Barré: Bernard Ladysz
  • Father Rangier: Hans Sotin
  • Jean d'Armagnac: Karl-Heinz Gerdesmann
  • Guilleaume de Cerisay: Rolf Mamero
  • Adam: Kurt Marschner
  • Mannoury: Heinz Blankenburg

Interesting Facts

• The Devils of Loudun is based on a true story that took place in France in the 17th century.
• The opera was originally commissioned by the Hamburg State Opera and was premiered there in 1969.
• Penderecki's score calls for a wide range of unconventional instruments, including a flexatone, a siren, and a glass harmonica.
• The opera has been controversial since its premiere, with some critics praising its innovative music and others finding it disturbing and offensive.