Description

Richard Wagner - Parsifal (The Metropolitan Opera Production) DVD

UPC: 044007303290

Product Features

Title: Parsifal
Composer: Richard Wagner
Conductor: James Levine
Performers:
- Parsifal: Siegfried Jerusalem
- Kundry: Waltraud Meier
- Gurnemanz: Kurt Moll
- Amfortas: Bernd Weikl
- Titurel: Jan-Hendrik Rootering
- Klingsor: Franz Mazura
- First Grail Knight: Paul Groves
- Second Grail Knight: Jeffrey Wells
- Flower Maidens: Heidi Grant Murphy, Kaaren Erickson, Gweneth Bean, and others
Orchestra and Chorus: The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus
- Guest Chorus Director: Norbert Balatsch
- Chorus Master: Raymond Hughes
Stage Production: Otto Schenk
Set and Projection Design: Günther Schneider-Siemssen
Costume Design: Rolf Langenfass
Video Director: Brian Large
Audio Producer: Jay David Saks
Executive Producer: Peter Gelb

Special Features

Bonus:Sound: DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, PCM Stereo
- Picture Gallery: "Parsifal at the Met"
- Trailer
Picture Format: NTSC, 4:3, Color
Subtitles: German (original language), English, French, Spanish, Chinese
Menu Languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Chinese
Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
Total Runtime: 264 minutes (2 DVDs)

Overview

This epic Metropolitan Opera production of Wagner's Parsifal, conducted by James Levine, brings to life Wagner’s final opera—a sacred drama exploring themes of purity, redemption, and spiritual transcendence. Siegfried Jerusalem stars as the naive yet destined hero Parsifal, with Waltraud Meier as the mysterious and tormented Kundry. Kurt Moll's portrayal of Gurnemanz, the wise knight, along with Bernd Weikl's moving Amfortas, contribute to a masterful interpretation of one of Wagner's most profound works.

Directed for the stage by Otto Schenk, with set and projection design by Günther Schneider-Siemssen, this production captures the mystical and otherworldly atmosphere of Wagner’s Bühnenweihfestspiel (sacred stage festival play), with stunning visual and musical artistry. The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, under the baton of James Levine, delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, making this a definitive recording of Parsifal.

Interesting Facts

Wagner’s Parsifal was composed specifically for the Bayreuth Festspielhaus and premiered there in 1882. It was originally intended to be performed exclusively at Bayreuth until 1914.
Siegfried Jerusalem, known for his interpretations of Wagnerian roles, brings depth and emotion to the character of Parsifal, the “pure fool” who ultimately redeems the knights of the Holy Grail.
James Levine was renowned for his extensive knowledge and expertise in conducting Wagner’s works, and this production is one of his most acclaimed.
The mystical and symbolic nature of Wagner’s Parsifal has made it one of the most discussed and analyzed operas in the repertoire, dealing with themes of suffering, redemption, and enlightenment.