Description

Ludwig van Beethoven's Fidelio DVD

UPC: 0807280159790

Product Features

Title: Fidelio by Ludwig van Beethoven
Conductor: Artur Rother
Stage Director: Gustav Rudolf Sellner
Set and Costume Designer: Wilhelm Reinking
Chorus Master: Walter Hagen-Groll
Performers:Orchestra and Chorus: Deutsche Oper Berlin
- Leonore (Fidelio): Christa Ludwig
- Florestan: James King
- Don Pizarro: Walter Berry
- Rocco: Josef Greindl
- Marzelline: Lisa Otto
- Jaquino: William Dooley
- Don Fernando: Martin Vantin
- 1. Gefangener: Barry McDaniel
- 2. Gefangener: Manfred Röhrl
Format: DVD (NTSC, Region Code: 0)
Language: German with subtitles in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Korean
Sound: PCM Mono
Picture Format: 4:3
Running Time: 124 minutes
Publisher: Arthaus Musik
Release Year: 2012 (Recorded live in 1963)
Special Features: Historical performance by the Deutsche Oper Berlin

Overview

Ludwig van Beethoven's Fidelio is an inspiring opera in two acts that tells the story of Leonore, who disguises herself as a young man named Fidelio to rescue her husband Florestan from political imprisonment. This historic 1963 production from the Deutsche Oper Berlin is conducted by Artur Rother and directed by Gustav Rudolf Sellner. The legendary mezzo-soprano Christa Ludwig stars as Leonore, delivering a performance that has been widely celebrated for its depth and authenticity.

The production is noted for its stark and compelling staging by Wilhelm Reinking, which emphasizes the opera's themes of freedom, justice, and love. This DVD offers a rare opportunity to experience a classic performance of Beethoven's only opera, featuring some of the finest voices of the time and the powerful orchestration that has made Fidelio an enduring masterpiece.

Interesting Facts

Fidelio is Beethoven's only opera and is widely regarded as a powerful statement on human rights and the triumph of love and liberty over tyranny.
Christa Ludwig’s portrayal of Leonore in this production is particularly famous for its convincing depiction of her male disguise, a rare achievement that has been praised by critics.
The Deutsche Oper Berlin's 1963 staging of Fidelio is considered one of the most significant productions of the opera in the post-war era.
The opera’s libretto, written by Joseph Sonnleithner and Georg Friedrich Treitschke, is based on Jean Nicolas Bouilly’s play "Leonore, ou L'amour conjugal."

Track Listing

Act 1: Leonore’s disguise as Fidelio and the unfolding of the rescue plan.
Act 2: The climactic discovery and liberation of Florestan, leading to the joyous reunion and celebration of justice.