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Reviews (5)

Video version of recording gets mixed results
In 1991 Sting did what many stars do after they have children.He took part in a venture that is aimed at the kiddies, which he would not have done otherwise.His part in this affair, the famous Prokofiev piece "Peter and the Wolf," is right on target.The story was one of my favorites as a child, and my 7-year-old daughter was equally enchanted by the story of the Russian boy (not much older than her) who caught the wolf that was terrorizing the forest where he lived.Through this piece kids are introduced to the various sections of the orchestra, and on the video they also are introduced to the Marx Brothers and the Spitting Image caricature puppets.It's an absolute gem from start to finish.
Enough subtle humor to keep the adults interested
This version of Peter and the Wolf, using a combination of live actors and the famous Spitting Image puppets (with a puppet Sting narrating), includes a lot of satirical touches that grown-ups will appreciate, though they will be over most kids' heads: for example, the duck (who drinks a little and has to be coaxed to take part in the play) reads Pravda, puppet versions of the Marx Brothers are the hunters, and puppet versions of the Royal Family (ca. 1994) watch the production from a luxurious box. Prokofiev Fantasy
This is a 53 minute dramatization, based upon the orchestral story of Peter and the wolf.The producer used a combination of puppets, actors and musical instruments to portray the drama. He used the Chamber Orchestra of Europe in the music episodes. About 35 - 40 minutes relates to this well known subject, the remainder of which portrays some elements of Prokofiev's experiences.I had to turn up the volume on my VCR to its loudest, and it still was a little low.Some liberal interpretation is used.The wolf is eventually captured and taken to a circus.The duck is portrayed as a drunkard, carrying a bottle with him as he swims about the pond.After being swallowed by the wolf he is shown in the belly puffing on a cigar.I was planning to use portions of the video for elementary classroom instruction, but hesitate due to the intemperate duck.Might have been better off with the cheaper version of Peter and the Wolf. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Video    3. Performing Arts    4. Performing Arts - Concerts   

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Reviews (1)

Worthwhile, but not Overwhelming
This biodrama on Puccini's life focuses heavily on an episode in which his wife suspected an affair with a household servant (later proven to have been a virgin in her postmortem) and persecuted her to the point of suicide.This, presumably combined with a mid-life crisis caused the composer excruciating psychological agonies.In an attempt at redemption, the screenwriter and director suggest, Puccini created the self-sacrificial role of Liu in juxtaposition to the heartless Princess Turandot (Signora Puccini), but was unable to complete the work, presumably because of his own lack of closure.The tie in is accomplished in part with documentary footage of a Scottish National Opera production of his final opera as an autobiographical work (which introduces some loose threads into the narrative).The performances are generally good, with the exception of that by Robert Stephens in the title role, which is excellent.The musical score, as might be expected, is wonderful and generally does a fine job of associating with the pace and subject of the action.Overall, this is a worthwhile purchase for anyone seriously interested in Puccini and many who have only a passing interest. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical Video    2. Documentary    3. Movie    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Reviews (2)

Five stars are not enough!
No matter how many times I have watched this video I remain entranced. From time to time we are fortunate enough to witness magic, enchantment,something so beautiful it seems to be beyond all that isphysical. Such is the partnership between these two people. Their personallives tell of their ability to overcome great obstacles and adversity. Nothing stopped their creation of beauty, their pursuit of excellence andthe inspiration and joy they gave to others. Having seen both of themdance, to be able to recapture the experience with this video is a delight. For those who never saw them, this offers an opportunity to experience theenchantment and magic of twolegends.For those who have seen either orboth, this is the opportunity to relive the sheer joy. To the previousreviewer YES YES absolutely love this video, particularly scenes from Romeoand Juliet!

An emotional and awe-inspiring balletic pair of superstars!
I started following Rudolf Nureyev's career early in the 60's when I first saw him on a half-hour TV series (was it the Bell Telephone Hour?Does anybody remember?).I remember being stopped in my tracks as he projectedhis balletic magic even over my tiny TV.Then when I saw him dance"Romeo and Juliet" with the Royal Ballet, partnered with MargoFonteyn, it was the high point of my ballet watching.I saw the movie fourtimes, and in this video, the two most memorable scenes are repeated: thebalcony scene, and the scene in the tomb in which Romeo dances with theseemingly-lifeless Juliet.Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballet    2. Classical    3. Classical Video    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Ballet/Dance   

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Reviews (5)

Dialogues des Carmelites
Joan is breathtaking.This opera is a beautiful and tragic story and it is wonderful to have a resource available in English.
Filme Version of Dialogues
Hi there I am Adriano the Swiss conductor. I have a copy of this classical movie of 1960. NO LIBRETTO OR SUB-TITLES - PITY
It would have been 5 Stars if a Libretto was supplied with the DVD or if it had optional sub-titles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Musical Features    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    4. Opera/Operetta    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

Of all Puccini's major operas, the intimate tragedy of Read more

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Reviews (25)

Butterfly dies...but NOT soon enough...
I have a large collection of opera dvds.Many people only prefer to purchase staged versions, but I don't mind movie versions as well.They give you an entirely new prospective to the story...if its done well.This production of Butterfly is one of the worst productions of ANYTHING that I have ever seen.Once you see the opening scene, when Domingo begins running through a random field, you should brace yourself, because it only goes downhill from there. The singing is quite good, but the cinematography and the staging is absolutely attrocious.The camera angles are just bad and the sequence from Act 2 to Act 3 (which is all done as one act in this production) looks very, very, STUPID.The best part of this production is Butterfly's death, which leaves Pinkerton in a state of...well, you just have to see it.That is the only promising piece of staging in the whole production.If you want to save some money, I would not suggest buying this production unless you want to get a couple of opera friends together, and have a nice laugh...

Come on, people...it isn't that bad
I can't understand all this carping about how rotten Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's film is. Okay, this isn't Orson Welles. The film is certainly flawed, with a few cheesy moments, most of which have been mentioned in other reviews(the opening, with Domingo in a T-shirt comically running through a paper wall, the bizarre dream sequence, Goro as a bucktoothed stereotype). These flaws are what prevent me from giving the film a five star rating. But there are also some very beautiful moments, and besides, from an aural standpoint, you aren't going to find a better performance of Madama Butterfly ANYWHERE. Get a grip, folks. To hear Freni and Domingo at their prime singing what is arguably Puccini's greatest score(it is certainly his most beautiful) conducted by Herbert von Karajan, and for under twenty dollars, I would be willing to put up with the singers running around in clown makeup for two-and-a-half hours. The music making on this disc is simply too good not to be recommended just because the filmmaker's ambitions occasionally tax his reach.
Shame,Shame,Shame!!!
How can a respected company like DG can issue a DVD with such a poor film quality? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    3. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Reviews (3)

A Relationship of High Fidelity
This film is fascinating on several levels. First, the viewer gets an inside look at a highly creative, extremely disciplined, classical music string quartet in rehearsal, in performance, traveling together, and at home with their families.
What It Means to be a Guarneri
Fans of the Guarneri Quartet will enjoy this chance to go behind the scenes for a glimpse into the world of this fine musical group.However, anyone who loves classical music and has even an inkling of the time, commitment and struggle involved in playing it well will appreciate this film as well.Rather than try to paint a cohesive and tidy picture of the Guarneri, director Allan Miller has wisely chosen to let them emerge as they are - four strong, highly opinionated individuals who are still in the process of evolving with the music they play. Fascinating
The Guarneri's cellist has now retired - the quartet is in a new phase and I'm sure they'll continue to evolve, in spite of a recent savage review in Strad. They're one of our great quartets, and I recommend any of their recordings.Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Foreign    3. International    4. Movie    5. Performing Arts - Concerts   

Editorial Review

From a 1984 performance (live, but with many voices dubbed) at Canada's Stratford Festival comes this version of Read more

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Reviews (9)

Excellent production, but why make changes to the libretto.
The production, quality of acting and singing, and presentation of this show is truely excellent.
Five Stars For "The Real" Gilbert and Sullivan
This review is mostly written for people who don't know "Iolanthe" because over here in America the musical isn't very famous and is seldom put on.I only learned about it myself by accident several years ago when it was produced by a local college in my area.I went to see it without knowing anything about it nor even having heard anything about it.I was bowled over by the genius of the music, comedy, story, humor and everything about this masterpiece as portrayed by the college music and drama students!
Life's a pudding full of plums / Here's a production that benumbs
Every Stratford production of Gilbert and Sullivan appeared to be in a race to hit rock bottom with a thud.They all succeeded."Oh, horror!" cries the British House of Peers in this comic opera and, for once, with good reason.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Musicals (Theatrical)    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    4. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

This Read more

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Reviews (4)

Soulful Mozart
I have a version of this opera on VHS with Gosta Winbergh that blew me away when I saw it.I have been waiting hopefully for its appearance on DVD...but, I gave in and bought this one while I'm waiting.Absolutely excellent. Young Mozart was a soulful 14-year old to be sure.Much of his early-mid music strikes me as a mathematical exercise, with just about that much resonance...but this music is full of honest emotion without excess.Shades of the mature Mozart with no need to give ground for his extreme youth.
Good performance, but ridiculous costumes
The singers are great, especially Bruce Ford and Ann Murray.Unfortunaly, the director has made bad choices regarding the sets ... and the costumes.They are so exaggerately wide that the characters seem to be sitting on the border of their bed!And what about the make-up?All characters have white faces.You could believe they are dead. All this deconcentrates the viewer.I was so frustrated that I stopped looking at it and did something else while listening.I would recommend to buy the CD version with Cecilia Bartoli instead.If you buy this one, listen to it, but turn your TV off!

How about Those Costumes
First, the music was written by the 14 year old Mozart and it is pretty good with some neat twists but nothing like what you expect in the more mature works.Vocally, particularly, the arias are very like instrumental concertos with space for a short unaccompanied cadenza.This means they are very difficult.This cast, particularly Aspasia(Organasova), Ismene (Lillian Watson), and Farnace (Jochen Kowalski) execute these with a lot of finesse.Sifare (Anne Murray) and Mitridate (Bruce Ford) are not so agile and tend to become very strident and wobbly in places, especially in loud or high passages.Still, the music is there and well performed.The worst feature of the staging is the costumes which I don't normally notice.All characters have huge wide skirts and the principles usually have wide (2-3') ledges out from their hips.This means the acting is stiff or non-existent and characters essentially must keep separate to prevent collisions.The colors are garish, Glaring reflections are common and Ismene's print is truly hideous.I'm normally tolerant of this sort of thing but even I thought this a serious defect in this production. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    3. Opera/Operetta    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Reviews (1)

Verdi's Night with the Boys
Simon Boccanegra is an oddity in opera. It is one of a very few operas that belongs to the male leads! It is dark, angry and doesn't sport any of those hummable Verdi tunes like we hear in Trovatore, but there issomething compelling here. Part of it is the physical presence of SherrillMilnes. Like his voice or not (and I do - especially the young Milnes!) heis an impressive doge. It's worth seeing simply for the death scene. Hehits the stage like a redwood slamming into the earth. The thing to listenfor here is the dark voices. The tenor is okay and not my favorite, but thedeep voices are wonderful. Simply wonderful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    4. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

It might be possible to know this Read more

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Reviews (68)

Overall good but with reservations
This is an overall satisfying production of La Boheme, including the cast, sets, camerawork, and musical direction. Yet I believe that the advantage of having a youthful cast for this opera has been much overplayed. True, that is a significant factor, but the music should always be paramount over considerations of appearance. Particularly, it seems to me that tenor David Hobson's rather thin voice is not very well suited to late 19th century verismo operas such as those of Puccini. Some reviewers here have stated that he usually has sung music from an earlier era, for which his voice is more suited. I have not heard him other than in this production, but that seems likely to me. However, Cheryl Barker is fine as Mimi. My favorite production of La Boheme is 1972 audio recording with Mirella Freni and Luciano Pavarotti, with Von Karajan conducting, in which everything works splendidly. At any rate, I think that this Australian Opera production of La Boheme is a good one, just not my favorite.

As Puccini Intended
Young, passionate performers with voices to match their passion and their acting - innovative staging but, most impressive to me - the pefect blend of acting and singing, bringing tears more than once. This version of La Boheme is outstanding!

Yup!
I was introduced to opera literally by a friend who sat my wife and me down on his deck overlooking San Francisco Bay back in the 60s, and played selections from Bjoerling's Boheme. A couple of years later we went to the San Francisco Opera to see Pavarotti and Freni in an earthquake interrupted triumph. Over the years I've seen Boheme many times (most recently two years ago a snoozer the Met) and own many recordings and videos as part of a very extensive collection.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Video    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

Most opera houses ring in the New Year with Johann Strauss Jr.'s most popular operetta--the festiveness of which is appropriate for the occasion--and this December 31, 1983, Covent Garden performance follows suit. An exceptional cast--led by Hermann Prey and Kiri Te Kanawa as the couple whose marriage survives the comic indiscretions of three long acts--obviously has as much fun as the audience. Plácido Domingo leads the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House through its paces with panache. Prince Orlofsky's Act II party is always a splendid opportunity to pull out all the stops with surprise "guests," and this performance makes the most of its chance: entering the proceedings to sing one of his tailor-made chansons, "She," is French crooner Charles Aznavour, who is followed by dancers Merle Park and Wayne Eagling, their delightful pas de deux flashily choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton. Read more

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Reviews (20)

It Has Some Sparkle
The first and third acts are both delightful, the second act is where I had a problem. Whereas the first and third acts followed the score fairly closely, the second act is greatly expanded with specialty performances that vary considerably in their ability to communicate. On repeated viewings, I found it increasingly easy to fast forward over several of the added performances. Such is the beauty of the DVD.
An Outstanding, Clever, Funny Production of Die Fledermaus
Johan Strauss II didn't get his reputation as Vienna's Waltz King for sitting around eating strudel mit shlag. He wrote glorious melodies...waltzes, polkas, mazurkas...that set people to dancing and smiling. His music still does.
Fun opera for everyone to enjoy
I grew up in an opera household but didn't get the opera bug like my parents. This is one opera that I did enjoy growing up because it is lighthearted and very easy to follow.This DVD version does include subtitles.The cast is great and the voices all blend nicely.Really, if you are starting on opera and don't want to get into the "heavy hitters" first like Wagner, try this one.You'll find yourself smiling when you watch it and humming some of the music afterwards. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Musical Features    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    4. Opera/Operetta    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

One of the more obscure Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, Read more

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Reviews (9)

Princess Ida
I had not seen this one before.I was buying it blind.I took a chance and it paid off.We enjoy Gilbert and Sullivan and love the stage setting.

A charming, lovely "Princess Ida"
"Princess Ida" is certainly one of the least known of the Savoy Operas.The problem is that you have some of Sullivan's most delicious music wedded with one of Gilbert's weakest and most dated libretti. To be honest, I was not looking forward to watching this production.In the main, the Brent Walker series can be pretty painful for the dedicated Savoyard; and I figured the "Ida" would be a total disaster. If you give me your attention . . .
. . . I will tell you what I think of this DVD.Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    3. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Morman Tabernacle Choir Live Christmas Concert
The 320-member choir is live at the famous Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah. The choir is accompanied by the the Tabernacle Organ, one of the largest pipe organs in the world. As the choir sings for about 45 minutes the video alternates between showing the choir singing and showing holiday video clips. Christmas classics presented by the choir include:
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Gospel Choir    5. Holiday    6. Hymns    7. Music Videos - Classical    8. Pop   

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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    3. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Reviews (2)

A PLEASANTLY RENDERED MIXTURE.
This short (52 min.) film is from Canadian producer/writer/director David Devine's Composers' Special series, and relates a fanciful story adding a child into the life of a great composer, as with the other works of the series. In 1862 Italy, young Reliana (Melissa Pirrera) visits her grandmother Rosalie (Frances Bay) to help make sauce for pasta, the two soon visited by Rosalie's best friend Martina (Lally Cadeau), with the two women joining issue over facts concerning their treasured shared relationship with the great Gioacchino Rossini, 46 years prior. Served by a strategem of fantasy, Reliana is transmitted back to 1816 where she is visible only to the composer, who is preparing for the opening of the Barber of Seville at the Argentina Theatre in Rome, and where she espies a disgruntled tenor place a curse upon the upcoming production. The curse, one must note, is supposititious, but the premiere of the Barber was in fact calamitous, and Reliana watches as the young Martina (Janne Mortil) as the opera's diva, and the young Rosalie (Margaret Illmann), as the featured dancer, each in love with Rossini, squabble and suffer as the opening night crowd hisses the ill-starred performance. Despite its brevity, the effectively scripted work manages to include many precise elements material to Rossini's life and to the Barber, including the small amount of time in which Rossini supposedly composed the work (13 days), the uneasy backing of Duke Cesarini (Tony Nardi), and the composer's reputation as a gourmet. The beautiful Illmann, for many years prima ballerina of Canada's National Ballet, dances with charm in her solo, and easily takes the acting honors with a nuanced performance exactly right for her role. There is seldom an instance when one of eight Rossini overtures is not heard, played well by the Slovak Philharmonic under the baton of Ondrij Lenard, and this Canadian/Slovak production, filmed in Istria and Slovakia, is graced by exquisite, and largely accurate, designs from the wardrobe specialists.
A Great Video for Young People
As a music teacher, I am always looking for new things to use with my students.While I can give them all the names, dates and facts and let them listen to the music, it is a wonderful thing for them to be able to see it.It brings it all into perspective.My thanks to the creators of the HBO composers' specials and please, keep them coming! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Classical    3. Classical Video    4. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Editorial Review

Numbers and shapes are the focus of this third Babyscapes video, set entirely to the music of Mozart in deference to the studies that show Wolfgang Amadeus has a particularly potent effect on young minds. Simple animation and repetition are the key here, with parachuted numbers 1-10 falling, in order, out of a dirigible, while children's voices count. They fall again silently so your youngsters may count by themselves. As with each segment in this 26-minute tape, the process repeats once or twice more. Numbers also appear on blocks and in fireworks. Then it's time to learn six shapes, including star and diamond, which appear first with a shape sorter, then as clay pressed into shape by a machine, and, finally, bouncing into a lake. All this with pieces such as the Piano Sonata in C Major, the firstmovement of Symphony No. 40, and the "Champagne Aria" from Read more

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Reviews (17)

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I didn't think much of this video when I first received it (very basic)... but my son (20 months) really likes it and all the repetition helps kids learn the numbers and shapes...

Nice!
This Miracle of Mozart Numbers and Shapes along with the ABC video are among the best videos I have. If you never own other videos, at least own these two plus Leapfrog Letter Factory! I have collected NUMEROUS Number and ABC Videos (foster kids) over the past 20 years and have to say that I prefer these over ALL of the other videos except for the Leapfrog videos (but these are IMO a great start/foundation to use for letter recognition before they see Leapfrog Letter Factory). I began playing the videos for my own child at 9 months mostly because of the wonderful music. Between these Babyscapes videos and the Leapfrog Fridge Phonics toy, my child knew Numbers 1-10, and all of her ABC's AND their sounds at age 17 months. That is not to say that your child will (and it doesn't matter) but just to say that this is QUALITY television! I could have sat her in front of Elmo or Barney at these ages and she would have learned...what? She laughs at her ABC's and loves to say them! I hung ABC flash cards as a wall border in her room with poster putty. She looks at and points to her letters after I put her in bed. Later, from the living room, I can hear her calling out her letters (like counting sheep?)before she falls asleep! So cute! After kids learn all their letters, a great and fun video for learning letter sounds is Leapfrog Letter Factory and Leapfrog Word Factory (phonics!). I don't force early learning on my child; however, some opportunity/exposure is a good thing and I think most kids will show an interest in these videos if they aren't first overly-inoculated with hyper TV monsters like Elmo. How can kids be attentive and calm if their TV role models are bouncing off the walls? Get this video, play it, relax and enjoy. Don't damage your kids by "forcing" early education on your timetable. Give them some opportunity/exposure and have fun with it!

I LOVE IT!!! EXCELLENT VIDEO/VIDEOS!! 5 STARS
I am very happy with this tape my son is almost 3 now and he still loves it!! I started him out on this tape along with the ABC's offered by Mozart in Spanish and in English version. My son was 3-4 months old when I purchased the tapes. I would play them over and over. Id start with a Spanish tape then does the English version. At first I was getting discouraged with them due to I thought my son was not picking up any of the in Spanish. He got the English version down. By the time he was a year old. One day hubby and I were having a conversation and there was our son saying his ABC's in Spanish soon after he was saying his numbers and shapes! By the time he was a 1 �-2 he was saying his letter, numbers and shapes in English and Spanish. There are times my son chooses to play with his toys but as long as he hears it is still learning them. If you decided on these tapes they are a wonderful start.It will take a bit of time and even if they don't seem interested in looking at the letters they will still hear it over and over. I also purchased other Spanish tapes in which I will right reviews on as soon I am done with this review. What a great introduction to the Spanish language. Worth every penny!... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Instructional / Educational    2. Kids & Family    3. Movie    4. Music & Musicals    5. Classical Music    6. Educational    7. Foreign Film - Spanish/Misc Sa   

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Reviews (1)

A Must Have for fans of Arrau and Brahms!!
This video features Brahms' Sonanta#3 in F Minor, Op. 5 and Piano Concerto #1 in D Minor, Op. 15 (110 mins in total). Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Music Videos - Classical    3. Orchestral & Symphonic    4. Performing Arts    5. Special Interest   

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Reviews (2)

Historical
In fact, an excelent concert! The program is the Liszt�s Funerailes and Chopin�s Polonaises (6 of them). If you choose to zoom in the tape�s photo you can see the program. Unique!
The unique VHS of Berman disponible in Amazon. He plays the Liszt's Funerailes and Chopin's Polonaises. His fortissimos has a great power. Only John Ogdon is competitive in strongly. Buy this because is [inexpensive.] ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Performing Arts    4. Performing Arts - Concerts   

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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Vocals   

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Reviews (14)

Pavarotti excites as Ernani in Met alternative Version
James Levine and his met forces offer us a performancer of 'Ernani' that includes revisions Verdi made to the score after its Venice premiere. He added a cabaletta to Silva's aria that was taken from an alternative aria he wrote for his first