Beethoven, Ludwig van - Fidelio

Author: Bailey, Derek

Brand: ARTHAUS

Edition: Standard Version

Characteristics:

• Beethoven: Fidelio DVD 2000
• Product type: Physical film
• Brand: Arthaus

Format: PAL

Release date: 02-10-2000

Details: Amazon.de After the French Revolution, the epoch-making social upheaval between 1789 and 1799, operas about humanity, liberation, and salvation sprang up everywhere like mushrooms. Examples include the works of Luigi Cherubini and Étienne Nicolas Méhuls, dedicated to the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Ludwig van Beethoven's Fidelio also falls into this category. The composer of the Viennese Classical period, who passionately sympathized with the French Revolution, tells the story of Florestan, an innocent prisoner who is freed by his wife Leonore—disguised as a man—in his only opera. At the end of this drama of ideas, a minister frees all the prisoners from the prison with the words: "A brother seeks his brothers, and if he can help, he will gladly help." Based on Jean Nicolas Bouilly's "Léonore, ou L'Amour conjugal," Beethoven commissioned a work for the Theater an der Wien intended to be educational and evocative. The composer's goal was to educate the audience ethically. The present film recording, made in November and December 1990 at London's Royal Opera House, takes up this theme of humanistic ideals. The principles of political freedom and justice, opposed to all tyranny, are credibly realized here in a thoroughly honest production. Nevertheless, this version is only truly convincing musically. The vocal performances of Gabriela Benackova (Leonore) and Josef Protschka (Florestan) are impeccable. And the Royal Opera House Orchestra, under Christoph von Dohnányi, also performs flawlessly. Margit Bardy's design, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired. The bland stage sets and unimaginative costumes seem out of place—which is why this Fidelio DVD isn't exactly a visual treat. --Harald Kepler Product description - Gabriela Benacková - Josef Protschka - The Royal Opera Chorus - The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House - Christoph von Dohnányi

EAN: 4006680100746

Languages: German

Binding: DVD

Item Condition: New