Kurt Weill: Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny – A Visionary Opera Production (DVD Video)

Product Information

• UPC: 3760115300675
• Product Type: DVD Video
• Genre: Opera – Musical Drama
• Language(s):                                      Region Code: 0 (Worldwide; Region Free NTSC DVD)
  • Original language: German (Libretto by Bertolt Brecht, translated into English by Michael Feingold)
  • Subtitles available in English, Spanish, French, and German
• Total Running Time: 138 minutes
• Format: 1 DVD9; NTSC, colour, 16:9; Audio: PCM Stereo & 5.1 Dolby Digital
• Packaging: Includes an illustrated booklet in multiple languages

Overview

Kurt Weill: Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny presents a bold and provocative operatic vision that redefines modern musical theatre. With music by Kurt Weill (1900-1950) and a libretto by Bertolt Brecht—translated into English by Michael Feingold—this production challenges and captivates audiences with its innovative blend of political satire, dark humor, and dramatic intensity. Featuring a stellar cast including Measha Brueggergosman, Jane Henschel, and Willard White, this performance was brought to life at the Teatro Real in Madrid under the inspired direction of Pablo Heras-Casado and the dynamic staging by La Fura dels Baus.

Product Features

• Conductor & Orchestra:
  • Conductor: Pablo Heras-Casado
  • Performing Ensemble: Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Real de Madrid with Chorus Intermezzo
• Stage Direction & Design:
  • Stage Direction: Alex Olle and Carlus Padrissa (La Fura dels Baus)
  • Scenography: Alfons Flores
  • Costume Design: Lluc Castells
  • Lighting: Urs Schönebaum
• Performance Highlights:
  • A visionary interpretation that fuses Weill’s evocative music with Brecht’s incisive text to explore themes of grandeur, decadence, and social critique.
  • A powerful ensemble performance that captures both the satirical spirit and the emotional depth of Mahagonny.
• Recording Details:
  • Filmed in high definition at the Teatro Real, Madrid (September 2010)
  • Video Direction by Andy Sommer
• Bonus Content:
  • None specified, but the production itself stands as a comprehensive work of art.

Interesting Facts

• A Revolutionary Production:
  This edition of Mahagonny is celebrated for its daring staging and bold reinterpretation of a classic work, setting new standards in operatic production.

• Critical Acclaim:
  The production has garnered praise from critics for its inventive direction and powerful performances, with standout mentions for the cast’s ability to bring Brecht’s complex characters to life.

• Historic Venue:
  Recorded live at the prestigious Teatro Real in Madrid, the performance benefits from an acoustically and visually impressive setting that enhances the dramatic narrative of the opera.

Publishers

A co-production of Teatro Real de Madrid, Bel Air Media, and Mezzo, with support from the Centre National de la Cinematographie. Distributed by Bel Air Classiques. Artwork & Editorial © 2010–2011 C Major Entertainment GmbH, Berlin. Made in Austria.

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Hashtags

English:

#Mahagonny #KurtWeill #Brecht #TeatroRealMadrid #ModernOpera #BelAirClassiques #InnovativeStaging #OperaDVD