The Turn of the Screw: Britten's Chamber Opera Masterpiece

UPC: 4006680101989

Product Features

• Composer: Benjamin Britten
• Opera Title: The Turn of the Screw
• Librettist: Myfanwy Piper, based on the novel by Henry James
• Cast: Helen Field, Menai Davies, Richard Greager, Machiko Obata
• Orchestra: Radio Symphony Orchestra Stuttgart
• Conductor: Steuart Bedford
• Stage Director: Michael Hampe
• Directed for Video and Television by: Claus Viller
• Co-production: Schwetzinger Festspiele, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, and SDR
• Produced by: SDR/Maran Film
• Running Time: 114 minutes
• DVD Format: PAL
• Sound Format: PCM Stereo
• Picture Format: 4:3
• Region Code: 1-8 (Worldwide)
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Menu Languages: Information not provided
• Special Feature: Arthaus Musik Trailer & 15-minute Introduction to the Opera

Overview

Benjamin Britten's "The Turn of the Screw," a chamber opera in two acts with a libretto by Myfanwy Piper, is a haunting adaptation of Henry James's novella. Recorded at the Schwetzinger Festspiele and produced in collaboration with the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and the SDR, this gripping production is led by conductor Steuart Bedford. The opera delves into themes of innocence, corruption, and the supernatural, through the story of a governess who becomes convinced that the children in her care are being haunted by malevolent spirits. Featuring a compelling cast including Helen Field and Richard Greager, and under the visionary stage direction of Michael Hampe, this DVD captures the opera's intense atmosphere and Britten's innovative score.

Interesting Facts

• Opera's Background: Premiered in 1954, "The Turn of the Screw" is celebrated for its intricate structure and the use of a theme with variations to connect the narrative and music.
• Henry James's Influence: Britten's opera stays true to the ambiguous nature of James's ghost story, leaving audiences pondering the reality of the apparitions.
• Musical Complexity: Britten employs a chamber orchestra to create a tightly woven tapestry of sound that complements the opera's psychological depth and the tension of the plot.

Key Credits

• Composer: Benjamin Britten
• Librettist: Myfanwy Piper
• Performers: Helen Field, Menai Davies, Richard Greager, Machiko Obata
• Conductor: Steuart Bedford

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