[ C Major DVD / 2 DVD ]
Release Date: Thursday 1 December 2016
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Staged by Robert Carsen
This exciting modern-day adaptation of Tannhäuser, Richard Wagner's fable of love and redemption, features one of the great Wagner singers of our time in the lead role, Peter Seiffert. Using the magnificent space of Barcelona's Gran Teatre del Liceu in its entirety, renowned Canadian director Robert Carsen has transformed this mythic narration of medieval troubadours into a compelling and at times very amusing tale that plays out in a world of contemporary painters and art dealers.
Features a fantastic cast, conducted by the Liceu's principal conductor Sebastian Weigle, a Wagner specialist.
As a nimble, youthful-voiced Tannhäuser, Seiffert plays alongside Petra Maria Schnitzer as Elisabeth. As the goddess of love, Elisabeth's counterpart Venus is portrayed by the stunning Béatrice Uria-Monzon.
Recorded at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, 2008.
Running Time Total: 203 minutes
DVD: DTS 5.1, PCM Stereo
Picture 16:9, HD
Subtitles English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean
"The central dilemma...is obliquely translated into the modern art world...Yes it's Sunday in the Park with Tannhauser...Musically, the primary drawing card is Peter Seiffert, not the most camera-friendly Tannhauser but among the most vocally compelling...there are so many moments where he not only triumphs over the vocal difficulties but does so with gratifying richness of tone and meaningful text projection." Gramophone
"Peter Seiffert sings powerfully and expressively as Tannhauser, and Petra Maria a bit too powerfully as Elisabeth. The orchestra, under Sebastian Weigle, gives a strong account of the score" BBC Music
"Seiffert probably cannot be bettered in the title role today; he's tireless, thoroughly involved and maintains a voice with a bronze ring to it...Beatrice Uria-Monzon is attractive enough to stand up to her body double in Act 1 and the voice is rich and appealing, save for some hard work at the very top...Seiffert is the best of all the recorded heroes [on DVD] and despite a few directorial backfires, this will certainly keep you interested." International record Review