Editorial Review

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

Features

• Classical
• Digital Sound
• DTS Surround Sound
• NTSC

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   

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

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

Features

• Classical
• NTSC

Reviews (3)

golden age Bolshoi artists
Born in 1925, Maya Plisetskaya was one of the great dancers of the 20th century, known for her brilliant performances, her technical skill and her ability to soar in the air with her huge jumps. She towered above the other prima ballerinas of her era in height, and outshone many with her dynamic personality. It is hard to say when the ballets on this tape were filmed, but I would venture to guess that it was a lot later than when I saw her in 1959, on the first tour she was allowed to make with the Bolshoi Ballet, to dance in New York City. There are no huge jumps here, but it is nevertheless wonderful, and shows tremendous artistry.
Tough competition
I would like to add that my copy of this video has several short pas-de-deux's and a solo, besides Carmen, which are not mentioned in the other reviews. They include Ms. Plisetskaya's version of the "Dying Swan" - a rather cold performance, I should say; a Bach duet and the Raymonda Variations. Plisetskaya's rendering is all fire and she demonstrates a fierce theatrical ability as well as technical vigour. It would be interesting to compare her interpretation to Alicia Alonzo's - available on video. Alicia's rendering is perhaps a bit "cooler" than her Russian counterpart's, but the video quality is superior and as it was filmed in Cuba, I believe it must be closer to Mr. Alonso's original idea.

A must see, a must have
For anyone who understands what Maya Plisetskaya is to ballet - it's a must have.The whole length "Carmen-Suite" is amazing! Everything is very well put together: the music (rearranged by no other than Rodion Shchedrin, Maya's husband), the choreography by Alberto Alonso, the set design, the costumes and of course the dancers. This production is so avant-garde and so ahead of it's time, that it's timeless.Maya Plisetskaya is the supreme ballerina among the supreme.She possesses all of the aspects required of a ballerina: artistry, technique and musical interpretation, whichto this day haven't been surpassed by any other dancer.She makes you believe that she is the character of her ballet not just another role that she is performing. ... Read more

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

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Performing Arts - Opera   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

Well done
Gilbert and Sullivan would have been pleased atthis version of their masterpiece. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Performing Arts - Opera   

Features

• Box set
• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (29)

Fascinating.
Wagner is a very well acted story about a towering musician who was nevertheless regrettably identifiable with the growth of fascism. Hitler several times paid calls on Cosima Wagner, whom he regarded as a living icon. Richard Burton is consistent and convincing, and Vanessa Redgrave is a great actress. If you like Death in Venice, you'll find a lot that's interesting and thought-provoking in this film. And the pieces of music - bombastic on occasion, yet stimulating, stirring and often lovely - garland the story, like the relentless hammering of the dwarves. A lot of insight into human nature, and art and history, here.

Wagnerian-sized everything, Except . . .
I have been waiting years for this epic to come out on DVD.I have about worn out my VHS tape, and having recently built a new home, WITH a dedicated home theater, I couldn't wait to view this monumental production on a LARGE screen with a sound system to match.True, everything in this film is Wagnerian in size . . . the actors, the sets, the cinematography, the locations, and most of all the music!Sadly, I was very disappointed to find that I now possessed a reduced, pan-&-scan, made for TV (circa 20 years ago) 4:3 aspect ratio.I have been spoiled by wide-screen, where I have been able to view films in their original aspect ratio.I probably would not have objected to this one if I have not already been acquainted with what I am now missing.
A film no less a Wagnerian opera
What I enjoyed about this epic series on the life of Richard Wagner was the composer's music performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Budapest Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sir Georg Solti. The backdrop of political and social intrigue in the Prussian and Bavarian states of the 19th century piqued my curiosity for the history of this period as well. No less fascinating were the characterisations of the people who played significant roles in his life, including Franz Liszt, Frederick Nietzsche, Hans and Cosima von Buelow, Minna Planer, Mathilde Wesendonck and King Ludwig II.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

Features

• Classical
• NTSC

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 opera 'Oberto'. The bass part of Silva was considered a secondary role because his aria had no cabaletta. Consequently star basses used to have the baritone role of Don Carlo transposed to bass register. Verdi inserted the cabaletta into the opera to discourage the practice. Furthermore in Act II Verdi wrote a new aria to act as finale to the Act. This was done at the behest of Rossini who wanted a bravura aria to showcase the talent of his protege Nicolai Ivanov. Both Ruggero Raimondi as Silva and Luciano Pavarotti as Ernani justify their inclusion in this performance. Elsewhere in the performance Pavarotti sings withlovely melting tone and Raimondi strikes one as an utterly driven Silva. Leona Mitchell as Elvira sings securely as Elvira even if she is not as dramatically compelling as Mirella Freni for Riccardo Muti in La Scala. Similarly Sherrill Milnes yields dramatic points to the incomparable Renato Bruson, yet delights by his firm top notes and ease with which he sings his music. By virtue of the variants described above this performance should be seen as a supplement to instead of an alternative to the Muti performance

Ideal cast for this early verdi Opera
First I think It has to be said that Ernani is not an overly believable story.The sheer melodramatic unlikeliness of some of the action make it less of a sheer dramatic experience, unlike say, Rigoletto, Otello, La Traviata, or many of Verdi's later works.This is not a reflection on Verdi, who uses this mediocre Libretto to create some very moving music.
A must have for any opera lover
This is a historical performance. For the first time in over 100 years,the alternate finale of Act 2 is being played in a major opera house,Pavarotti receiving a well deserved ovation after the aria and cabaletta wrote by Verdi for his famous contemporary tenor, Ivanov. Mitchell and Raimondi are in superb voice, both very secure with the exposed high notes from the score. As it was only later known, this is the first performance of Milnes after his vocal chords surgery. Altough he takes a little time to warm up, he manages afterwards to bring down the house in style, with a fantastic A-flat at the end of his big aria. Levine conducts with style the orchestra and chorus,in a performance staged during the Met centenial celebrations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Musicals (Theatrical)    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    4. Performing Arts - Opera   

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (9)

Magn�fica 'Cenerentola'
Esta funci�n procedente de la �pera de Houston de una de las mejores �peras de Rossini es sin duda la mejor versi�n visual disponible hasta la fecha de esta obra.
Forget Disney
While this production looks (potentially) magical, there's no magic in the plot, just the singing.Get Disney's take out of your head and everything starts making sense.This is Bartoli's signature role (note the book "Cinderella & Company") and she enjoys her feisty take on the girl.An excellent light entertainment for anyone who enjoys opera or the musical theater.

Great singing with a little twitching thrown in
I love this video for the singing.As a matter of fact, I would recommend it over Bartoli's Decca cd recording because the best principal singers are the same, except in this video, you get Raul Giminez as the Prince, instead of William Matteuzzi on the cd, and although Giminez' voice is a bit lighter, it's a prettier voice, and his fioratura is much more smooth and lovely.La Cenerentola is Bartoli at her finest vocally - it suits her sound and vocal style perfectly, but the acting is another matter.Bartoli is just not funny to me, plus she does alot of odd twitching and jerking that are terribly annoying.
Read more

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

Features

• Black & White
• NTSC

Subjects:  1. Performing Arts - Opera   

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

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

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

Ponnelle and Harnoncourt team up with splendid results
This 1979 made-for-TV film of "L'Incoronazione di Poppea," directed and designed by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, was based on a production for the Zurich Opera House.It runs for 162 minutes and has suffered some cuts, e.g. the scene where Pallas, the goddess of wisdom warns Seneca not to interfere in the quarrel between Nero and Octavia, his empress.On the other hand, Sir Peter Hall's competing 1984 version of 'Poppea' with Maria Ewing in the title role only lasts 150 minutes, so I'll take the Ponnelle, cuts and all.Read more

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

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (3)

Superb Realization of Tippett's Greatest Opera
Michael Tippett's second opera received its world premiere at the 1962 Coventry Cathedral Festival, just a few days apart from Benjamin Britten's 'War Requiem.' Both composers were committed pacifists, and both works are powerful and eloquent artistic expressions of their sincerely and deeply held convictions. 'King Priam' must be counted among Tippett's finest achievements in any genre, certainly the most thoroughly convincing of his 5 operas: the mythical setting spares us most of the verbal embarrassment of his 'contemporary' libretti, and the fact that the characters are acting out destinies that are in some sense pre-ordained (despite their periodic wrestling with the ethics of 'choice') means that Tippett does not have to face the challenge of portraying characters who grow and change - always his Achilles' heel (sorry) as a musical dramatist... Finally, this is one of the very few operas - Berlioz's 'Les Troyens' is another - that recreates the harsh world of Greek mythology in a completely convincing way.
Powerful Anti-War Opera
This is a well done 1985 "studio" video of the Kent Opera production of Sir Michael Tippett's magnificent opera. One of the 20th Century's best operas
Sir Michael Tippett, who died at age 93 in January 1998 is one of the 20th century's most important opera composers.Always responsible to his public and mindful of contemporary themes, King Priam marked a turning point inhis compositional style and is in so many respects his first 'mature'masterpiece.Following on the heels of his first neo-Romantic opera, 'TheMidsummer Marriage', King Priam adopts a sparse, angular, incisive, andpiquant style to explore various eternal human themes--chief among them,the nature and consequences of choice.Tippett recasts the Iliad, briningto light dramatic and poignant elements not immediately apparent in Homer'soriginal.Told from the Trojan (specifically King Priam's) perspective,Tippett puts a microscope to the heart, mind, and soul--few operas aresimultaneously so musically and dramatically inspiring...and the operasthat follow, "The Knot Garden", "The Ice Break", and"New Year" continue this tradition.The Kent opera production isnot as overwhelmingly faithful and satisfying as the more recent DavidAtherton/London Sinfonietta recording (which is a masterpiece of artistryin and of itself), but gives the listener an opportunity to own a stagedversion: to hear and SEE the action.Highly recommended to Tippett fans,opera collectors, and anyone willing to think and be moved.Read more

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

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Composers    3. Orchestral & Symphonic    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

Features

• Classical
• Color
• HiFi Sound
• NTSC

Reviews (4)

Beautiful
I loved it.I had this on LP many years ago, but the very realistic groans of Adriana dying of poison were too much for me, so I chucked the set.However, when I had those LPs, I was familiar with the life of Adriana (I am no longer), and I could not believe the librettist would take a life so complex and interesting and boil it down to a plot like this.It was an adequate plot, but not when drawn from the life of Adriana.(Yes, I know she was French, but I'm saying Adriana anyway.)The sets were rich and colorful.The acting and singing by everyone were wonderful.The first act baffled me with all the passing of letters back and forth, I could make no sense of it and expected to be helplessly lost.Then from act two on the plot became quite simple, no plot at all.This is not my kind of music, it seemed like continuous recitative with no distinct tunes.But it was beautiful.It is not Sutherland's usual fare, though there are plenty of high notes for her to hit, and yes, you keenly perceptive people you, she's too old for the part.So what.I loved and recommend it.It was a pleasure.Also, I identified with the old man who had a secret love for her, and his horrible pain.It was in fact all pain.But it was beautiful nonetheless.

Sad........
But this role was not for her. The performance is dreadful. Go for Olivero, Dessi or Tebaldi. This DVD is a shame!

Blah!
I can't believe Kultur would have the nerve to release this terrible performance on DVD.They need to call back every copy and burn them.Sutherland is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY past her prime.She sounds heavy and mannered.High notes are forced and effortful.What more her acting is abominable (as always *sigh*).This performance is not something I would watch to remember Sutherland's talent by. ... Read more

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

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Documentary    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

Features

• Black & White
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

Opera singers from Ed Sullivan's "really big shoe"
For those who remember "The Ed Sullivan Show" for The Beatles, Senor Wences, and Topo Gigio, this collection of operatic highlights serves as a reminder that high culture was also a part of the mix each week on Sunday night's broadcast.Sullivan presented not only rock stars and grand opera but classical ballet, dramatic recitations, and dancing bears between 1948 and 1971 on CBS.Read more

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

Editorial Review

Rare and well-done! This is a superb performance of excellent, long-forgottenmusic.

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (7)

A Marvelous Operetta by the "Waltz King" Johann Strauss
This Operetta by Johann Strauss can almost be classified as an Opera. This operetta by Strauss is one filled with delightful music. The staging is somewhat wierd, maybe because thats how it suppose to be but other than that, we have very good singers singing duets and waltzes. A few scences almost resembles an opera rather than an operetta. I think this rare operetta by Strauss is very good and I recommend it to all Strauss fans. I really hope this rare Operetta survives and hope to see more performances around the world with top tenors and sopranos. Now, that will spice this operetta even more.

Better look for the CD
Lovely music, but the subject is so far from what you would expect from Strauss.
Great music, weird staging
This is a very enjoyable operetta. The Strauss music is great and it is very well sung and played. However, the plot is rather silly (even more so than most operas) and the staging, scenery, and costumes are weird. For example, the general rides around in a giant boot on wheels (I suppose this is justified by the fact the there is a song in the operetta about how important maintaining his boots is to a soldier). Although these departures from conventional staging are not completely inappropriate, if you prefer to see an opera as the composer had intended it to be seen, you may not like the staging. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Arrigo Boito's treatment of the Faust legend has never been as popular as Gounod's, but Boito was an imaginative composer and a great librettist (he wrote the words for Verdi'sRead more

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (13)

Wondrous
In voice, physique, and bearing, Ramey is simply the perfect Mefistofele. After him, it's the chorus that stars, and when Ramey and the chorus get together in the amazing Witches' Sabbath, with the devil in a tailcoat furiously conducting the revellers, it's unforgettable. This is simply a beautiful production, well worth owning even if some of Boito's music is not first-rate. I subtract a star for an unconvincing Faust and a mediocre image with an unacceptable level of motion blur.
FABULOUS OPERA, FABULOUS PERFORMANCE, FABULOUS RECORDING!
This is the best recording of an opera on DVD I've seen.Ramey is unmatched in this role, the costumes and scenery are fantastic, the performance spot-on, and the recording and filming beautifully done.Run, do not walk, to your keyboard and order this recording of this wonderful opera by Boito.

First source
I was in this production when I was 6 years old! And this was the opera that made me fall in love with opera.
Read more

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

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

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

Editorial Review

A brilliant production has been lavished on this relatively early and seldom-produced Verdi masterpiece. The story of various efforts (ultimately successful) to assassinate Attila the Hun after his conquest of Rome inspired Verdi to compose music of considerable energy. The theme of foreign powers who dominate Italy being punished was especially close to his heart. La Scala assembled a cast equal to his music's strenuous demands. The star, unquestionably, is Samuel Ramey in the title role, but he is supported by a first-class cast and a chorus and orchestra who are completely at home in this music. The fact that some of the less familiar Italian operas reached the DVD format so early in its existence is a tribute to Muti's devotion to unjustly neglected works. So is the power and precision of this performance. Read more

Features

• NTSC

Reviews (14)

Can't believe it's not listed amoung Verdi's classics...
Loved it from the moment Odabella (played masterfully by Cheryl Struder) jumped into Attila's face, and took his sword.She sings a song about killing him for vengeance, while he falls in love with this fiesty slave. Well sung and played by all four of the principles.It remains one of my favorites, out of about 90 operas I have seen.If you love Verdi, as I do, you won't regret buying this one.

Must have for Verdi fans...Probably coming up again??
Most of the production is said here. I just can say that this is probably the best opera of those "minor operas" verdi wrote. Picture is very good, considering the quality resolution at that time. The stereo sound is worth it. There's no choice to change or switch off subtitles.
Why is this DVD out of print?
The Christianity was a bit much.I wanted to throw up.There was simply no plot at all.And this opera more than any I have ever seen exemplifies the stereotypical idea of opera with characters standing rooted to the spot just singing.That said, this was a marvelous experience.Rich, beautiful, powerful music.Ramey was nothing less than great.(And that wonderful open embracing smile during his curtain call!)Studer was the jewel of Attila.Everyone else was okay.I spent an afternoon searching every record store and website I knew of to find a copy of this glorious opera.There is simply none to be had except the $145 disc here on Amazon.No.(I noticed an "Et tu, Brute?" at the end (spelling of Brute?), Verdi (or his librettist) did love Shakespeare.)I loved and ejoyed the hell out of this opera, with the reservations given, fortunately I have the same cast, conductor and orchestra on CD, so I am not completely disappointed.But I would really like to have this DVD (I rented the one I just watched).The sets and scene changes were lush and delicious, the colors were beautiful, the music was beautiful.This is a wonderful opera.Maybe it will come back into print, it's alive in Europe I found out, but the DVD won't play in this country. ... Read more

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