Description

Walter Braunfels - Die Vögel (The Birds) DVD

Name: Walter Braunfels - Die Vögel (The Birds) DVD
SKU: 807280152999
Price: 99 USD
Availability: InStock

UPC: 807280152999

Product Features

Performers:

Nightingale: Désirée Rancatore
Good Hope: Brandon Jovanovich
Loyal Friend: James Johnson
Hoopoe: Martin Gantner
Wren: Stacey Tappan
Prometheus: Brian Mulligan
Eagle/Zeus: Matthew Moore

Production Details:

Conductor: James Conlon
Orchestra and Chorus: Los Angeles Opera Orchestra and Chorus
Stage Director: Darko Tresnjak
Set Design: David P. Gordon
Costume Design: Linda Cho
Lighting Design: David Weiner
Choreography: Peggy Hickey
Associate Conductor/Chorus Master: Grant Gershon
General Director: Plácido Domingo
Music Director: James Conlon
Video Director: Kenneth Shapiro

Technical Details:

Sound Formats: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1
Subtitles: German (Original Language), English, French, Spanish, Italian
Picture Format: 16:9
Region Code: 0 (Region-Free)
Running Time: 139 minutes
DVD Format: NTSC
FSK Rating: 0 (Suitable for all ages)
Year of Production: 2009 (DVD release 2010)
Publisher: Arthaus Musik GmbH

Overview

Die Vögel (The Birds) by Walter Braunfels is a delightful yet profound opera based on Aristophanes' ancient Greek comedy. This production, part of the Los Angeles Opera's Recovered Voices series, was recorded live in 2009 under the baton of James Conlon. The series aims to revive works by composers whose music was suppressed during the Nazi era, bringing them back to the public consciousness.

This production stars Désirée Rancatore as the Nightingale and Brandon Jovanovich as Good Hope, with James Johnson, Martin Gantner, and Brian Mulligan in key supporting roles. Directed by Darko Tresnjak, the staging captures the whimsical and fantastical nature of Braunfels' score, which is characterized by its tender spirituality and lighthearted tone.

The performance was highly praised, with The New York Times describing it as a rare opportunity to experience Braunfels' "lighthearted, tenderly spiritual" work, and The Los Angeles Times commending the radiant orchestral performance under Conlon's direction.

Interesting Facts

James Conlon: An advocate for the revival of works by composers suppressed under the Nazi regime, Conlon's dedication to the Recovered Voices series has brought renewed attention to Braunfels and others whose music was nearly lost to history.
Désirée Rancatore: Known for her agile coloratura and expressive interpretation, Rancatore’s portrayal of the Nightingale in this production was a standout performance, bringing the character's ethereal qualities to life.
Darko Tresnjak: An acclaimed director known for his innovative and visually striking productions, Tresnjak’s direction of Die Vögel integrates stunning visuals with the opera’s lyrical content, creating a memorable theatrical experience.
Recovered Voices Series: This initiative by the LA Opera, led by James Conlon, is a significant cultural project that has resurrected and celebrated the works of composers who were marginalized or silenced during the 20th century.