Description

Richard Strauss: Capriccio – Live at the Wiener Staatsoper (2 x DVD Video Set)

Product Information

UPC: 814337011598
Product Type: 2-DVD Video Set
Label: Unitel Classica
Genre: Opera, Live Performance, Classical Music
Composer: Richard Strauss
Work: Capriccio
Language: German (Original)
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
Running Time: 163 minutes
Picture Format: 16:9 NTSC, High Definition
Audio Formats: PCM Stereo, DTS 5.0
Region: 0 (Worldwide)

Overview

"Richard Strauss: Capriccio – Live at the Wiener Staatsoper" is a captivating production of Strauss’s final stage work—a witty and introspective opera about the creative process in opera itself. This live recording presents a dynamic interpretation of Capriccio, where the timeless question of whether words or music came first is explored through the story of a Countess torn between a composer and a poet. Featuring world-class performances by Renée Fleming, Bo Skovhus, Michael Schade, Markus Eiche, Angelika Kirchschlager, and Kurt Rydl, this production is a masterful blend of dramatic insight, sumptuous vocal artistry, and visual splendor.

Product Features

Exceptional Cast & Crew:
- Renée Fleming as the Countess – a world-class performance noted for its emotional depth and vocal brilliance.
- Bo Skovhus as the Count, Michael Schade as Flamand, Markus Eiche as Olivier, and Kurt Rydl as the theatre director La Roche.
- Angelika Kirchschlager shines as Clairon, supported by a stellar ensemble in the smaller roles.
Artistic Team:
- Orchestra: Orchestra der Wiener Staatsoper
- Conductor: Christoph Eschenbach
- Stage Direction, Set & Lighting: Marco Arturo Marelli
- Video Direction: Brian Large
- Costume Design: Dagmar Niefind
- Choreography: Lukas Gaudernak
High-Quality Production:
- Filmed in high definition and mastered from an HD source, the performance is presented in a 16:9 NTSC format with immersive audio via PCM Stereo and DTS 5.0.
A Tribute to Opera as an Art Form:
- Capriccio offers a meta-theatrical exploration of the creation of a music drama, combining lavish staging with intellectual wit to pose questions about the interplay between words and music.

Interesting Facts

A Reflective Masterpiece:
- Strauss’s Capriccio is his last stage work and serves as an opera about opera itself—a thoughtful meditation on the evolution of the art form.
Critical Acclaim:
- Renowned critics have lauded the production for its luxurious casting and the impeccable balance between dramatic tension and artistic sophistication.
Prestigious Collaboration:
- This live production is a co-production of ORF and Unitel, in cooperation with the Wiener Staatsoper and ZDF for ARTE Live Web and CLASSICA, underscoring its international significance.
Cultural Impact:
- With its rich staging, innovative design by Marco Arturo Marelli, and costumes by Dagmar Niefind, the production transforms Capriccio into an event that is as intellectually engaging as it is visually sumptuous.