Poul Ruders – Selma Jezková (An Opera Based on Dancer in the Dark)

UPC 747313541058

Overview

Poul Ruders’ opera Selma Jezková, based on Lars von Trier’s film Dancer in the Dark, is a powerful, modern tragedy. This 2010 opera follows the heartbreaking story of Selma, a factory worker with failing eyesight who makes the ultimate sacrifice to secure a future for her son. Performed by The Royal Danish Opera and featuring an intense, minimalist runtime of 70 minutes, Selma Jezková is an epic tale of love and despair. This Copenhagen premiere recording showcases a commanding performance from Ylva Kihlberg in the title role, with Michael Schønwandt conducting the Royal Danish Orchestra. Directed by Kasper Holten, the production’s grand Gothic staging by Christian Lemmerz adds depth and atmosphere, while bonus materials provide insight into the making of this intense operatic experience.

Product Features

• Composer: Poul Ruders
• Librettist: Henrik Engelbrecht, based on Dancer in the Dark by Lars von Trier
• Primary Cast:Orchestra: The Royal Danish Orchestra
  • Selma Jezková – Ylva Kihlberg
  • Bill Houston – Palle Knudsen
  • Kathy – Hanne Fischer
  • Norman/Guard 2 – Guido Paevatalu
  • Brenda – Ulla Kudsk Jensen
  • District Attorney/Guard 1 – Gert Henning-Jensen
  • Gene – Carl Philip Levin
• Conductor: Michael Schønwandt
• Stage Director: Kasper Holten
• Set Design: Christian Lemmerz
• Costumes: Maria Gyllenhoff
• Lighting Design: Jesper Kongshaug
• Choreography: Signe Fabricius
• Running Time: Approx. 73 minutes + 47 minutes of bonus material
• Audio Formats: Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1
• Subtitles: English, German, Danish
• Region: 0 (Worldwide)
• Format: DVD9, NTSC

Interesting Facts

• Dedication to Ylva Kihlberg: Composer Poul Ruders dedicated the role of Selma to Ylva Kihlberg, who delivers a stirring performance that brings depth to this tragic character.
• Exclusive Bonus Material: The DVD includes a 47-minute documentary, From the Cradle to the Grave, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Selma Jezková and the creative process of bringing this intense story to the stage.
• Visual Design: The opera's Gothic-inspired set design by Christian Lemmerz, combined with evocative lighting and video elements, enhances the drama’s emotional impact.
• Emotional Score: Ruders’ music captures the raw emotional landscape of Selma's journey, blending modern and minimalist sounds to support a story of love, sacrifice, and inevitable fate.

Publishers

Dacapo Records, 2011
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#SelmaJezková #PoulRuders #ModernOpera #DancerInTheDark #YlvaKihlberg #RoyalDanishOpera #DacapoRecords #GothicOpera