Sergei Prokofiev: The Gambler - Blu-ray

UPC: 0822231854029

Product Features

• Composer: Sergei Prokofiev
• Opera: The Gambler (based on the novella by Fyodor Dostoevsky)
• Performers:Orchestra: Mariinsky Orchestra
  • Alexei: Vladimir Galuzin
  • Polina: Tatiana Pavlovskaya
  • General: Sergei Aleksashkin
  • Babulenka: Larisa Dyadkova
  • Marquis: Nikolai Gassiev
  • Mr. Astley: Alexander Gergalov
  • Mlle Blanche: Nadezhda Serdyuk
  • Prince Nisky: Andrei Popov
  • Baron Wurmerhelm: Oleg Sychev
  • Potapych: Andrei Spekhov
• Conductor: Valery Gergiev
• Director: Temur Chkheidze
• Set Designer: Zinovy Margolin
• Costume Designer: Tatiana Noginova
• Lighting Designer: Gleb Filshtinsky
• Video Director: Laurent Gentot
• Publisher: Mariinsky Label
• Recording Venue: Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg
• Recording Date: June 2010
• Picture Format: Full HD 1080/60, NTSC, BD50 (All Regions)
• Sound Formats: PCM Stereo 2.0, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
• Subtitles: English, French, German, Russian, Japanese
• Menu Languages: English
• Running Time: 126 minutes

Overview

Sergei Prokofiev’s "The Gambler", based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novella of the same name, is a psychological drama that delves into the dangerous allure of gambling and obsession. This 2010 production from the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg is directed by Temur Chkheidze and conducted by the world-renowned Valery Gergiev, whose musical direction brings out the complexity of Prokofiev’s score.

The cast is led by dramatic tenor Vladimir Galuzin as Alexei, one of his signature roles, and Tatiana Pavlovskaya as Polina, both of whom embody the deep emotional turmoil of their characters. The Mariinsky Orchestra, under Gergiev’s baton, provides a rich, textured sound that reflects the intensity and the psychological depth of the opera’s themes.

This Blu-ray edition offers a visually stunning experience in Full HD and features DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound for a fully immersive opera experience. Subtitles are available in English, French, German, Russian, and Japanese, making this production accessible to a broad international audience.

Interesting Facts

• The Gambler is based on Dostoevsky’s novella, which he wrote to pay off his own gambling debts, making the story a personal reflection on the dangers of addiction.
• Vladimir Galuzin, a renowned dramatic tenor, has been widely praised for his portrayal of Alexei, a character driven by passion and self-destruction.
• Valery Gergiev, one of the foremost interpreters of Russian opera, leads the Mariinsky Orchestra, bringing out the sharp emotional contrasts in Prokofiev’s score, from tension to moments of intense lyricism.
• This production features a minimalist yet powerful set design by Zinovy Margolin, emphasizing the psychological aspects of the opera.
• The opera’s characters, intertwined in complex relationships, reflect the personal struggles of desire, greed, and moral decay, themes central to Dostoevsky’s work.

Track Listing

1. Act I: Alexei’s growing obsession with Polina and the temptation of gambling.
2. Act II: The characters spiral into emotional and financial ruin, driven by their greed and desires.

Extra Features

• Booklet Notes: Available in English, French, German, and Russian, offering insights into the production and background of the opera.

Publishers

• Mariinsky Label
• EuroArts Music International

Hashtags

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