Description

Rusalka by Antonín Dvořák – A Lyrical Fairy-Tale on DVD

UPC: 807280201994

Product Features

Composer: Antonín Dvořák
Opera: Rusalka (A Lyrical Fairy-Tale in Three Acts)
Performers:Conductor: Mark Elder
- Eilene Hannan as Rusalka
- Ann Howard as Ježibaba
- Rodney Macann as The Water Spirit
- John Treleaven as The Prince
- Phyllis Cannan as The Foreign Princess
- Edward Byles as The Gamekeeper
- Fiona Kimm as The Kitchen Boy
- Cathryn Pope, Christopher Booth-Jones, Eileen Hulse, Linda McLeod as Wood Nymphs
Orchestra: Chorus and Orchestra of the English National Opera
Producer and Director: David Pountney
Designer: Stefanos Lazaridis
Chorus Master: Martin Handley
Choreographer: Terry John Bates
Libretto: Jaroslav Kvapil (English Translation by Rodney Blumer, by arrangement with Boosey and Hawkes Music Publishers Ltd)
Production: Landseer Production in association with RM Arts for Channel 4
Sound Format: PCM Stereo
Picture Format: 4:3
Subtitle Languages: Czech, German, French, English, Spanish
Menu Languages: German, French, Spanish
Region Code: 0 (Region-Free)
Running Time: 159 minutes
Release Year: 1995
Publisher: Arthaus Musik GmbH

Overview

This DVD captures a powerful performance of Antonín Dvořák's Rusalka, a captivating opera sung in English. Set in a mystical world, Rusalka tells the story of a water nymph who falls in love with a human prince, and the tragic consequences that follow. The English National Opera’s production, conducted by Mark Elder, features Eilene Hannan in the title role, delivering an emotional and haunting portrayal of the nymph whose longing for love leads to her downfall.

Directed by David Pountney, this production is noted for its innovative staging and dramatic interpretation, supported by the evocative designs of Stefanos Lazaridis. The opera is presented with an English translation by Rodney Blumer, making this a highly accessible version of Dvořák’s masterpiece.

Interesting Facts

Rusalka is one of Dvořák's most beloved operas, known for its beautiful melodies and the famous "Song to the Moon" aria.
The libretto, written by Jaroslav Kvapil, is based on Slavic folklore, particularly the story of a water sprite who wishes to become human.
This production by the English National Opera was praised for its emotional depth and the strong performances by its cast, particularly Eilene Hannan’s portrayal of Rusalka.
The opera explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the tragic consequences of crossing boundaries between different worlds.
Directed by David Pountney, a well-known figure in the opera world, this production is recognized for its artistic and innovative approach to staging.