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DVD : Mozart - Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) / Keenlyside, Roschmann, Hartmann, Damrau, Selig, Allen, Sir Colin Davis, Covent GardenIn association with Amazon.comstarring: Mozart, Simon Keenlyside, Dorothea Roschmann, Diana Damrau, Thomas Allen directed by: Sir Colin Davis, David McVicar  List Price: $29.99 Amazon.com's Price: $26.99 You Save: $3.00 (10%)Prices subject to change. Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD EAN: 0809478000754 Format: Classical, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC Label: BBC / Opus Arte Manufacturer: BBC / Opus Arte Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: BBC / Opus Arte Region Code: 1 Release Date: September 23, 2003 Running Time: 185 minutes Studio: BBC / Opus Arte Theatrical Release Date: 2003 Sales Rank: 31743 MPN: 886 Related Items:
Editorial Review: Description: The internationally renowned Mozart interpreter Sir Colin Davis conducts the chorus and orchestra of the Royal Opera House and a glittering cast in David McVicar's 2003 production of Mozart's last opera, recorded in sumptuous surround sound live at Covent Garden. SPECIAL FEATURES: • Behind the Scenes • Conductor Sir Colin Davis talks about Die Zauberflöte • Illustrated Synopsis of the opera Amazon.com: It’s hard to find a DVD version of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte that’s as well sung as this 2003 Covent Garden production. Led by the eminent Mozartian, Sir Colin Davis, orchestra and singers present a warm, often intense vision of the opera, not as the fairy tale it’s often taken for, but as a human drama of the passage from misguided beliefs to mature knowledge of self. Diana Damrau is the Queen of the Night for our time, with show-stopping bravura singing that tosses off the score’s terrifying high notes with almost casual abandon. Her acting and her fright outfit never leave you in doubt that she’s the evil presence here, even when she’s pretending to be a good mom concerned about her daughter, Pamina. Dorothea Röschmann is superb, floating pianissimo notes to die for and singing with a beautifully rounded soprano allied to a dramatic sense that make her Ach, ich fuhl's so moving. Will Hartman is a virile Tamino, a bit heavier of voice than most of the lyric tenors who take the role, but singing well. Like most Tamino’s, he’s upstaged by Papageno, the bird-catcher who’s his sidekick. Baritone Simon Keenlyside offers the best-sung Papageno one could hope to hear, and while he’s funny in many of his more physical scenes, he replaces the usual clownish buffoon with an earth-bound Everyman. The noble Sarastro, the lovers’ guide to self-realization, is well sung by Franz-Josef Selig, whose ample bass easily encompasses the low Fs that make most basses sound strained. The smaller roles are done well, too. Ailish Tynan has a romp as Papagena; the evil Monostatos is done to vocal and acting perfection by Adrian Thompson, the Queen’s Three Ladies are well-matched and appropriately edgy, and the Temple Priests are convincingly sung and acted. This production of Die Zauberflöte is a dark one. Producer David McVicar and conductor Davis reject the relatively recent transformation of the opera into a Disney-like romp for kids. The comic element in the opera is there, but its philosophical underpinnings--humanity’s fitful progress to a higher plane – are paramount. There are still plenty of laughs with the fake dragon that pursues Tamino at the opera’s opening and Papageno’s funny business with a bird, among other chuckle-inducing scenes. But the production’s Stygian backgrounds make for an oppressive setting. When light enters, as in the pomp of Sarastro’s entry or the blazing yellow disc of the sun that conquers darkness, the opera’s meanings are crystal-clear. Most of the characters wear 18th Century outfits, to comic effect as Monostatos’ heavy makeup, lipsticked mouth, and elaborate wig. But there are occasional incongruities: Tamino’s smock, the Three Boys’ knit sweaters and short pants, and Papagana’s mangy fur coat, among others. They’re well intregrated into the staging so they don’t jar. Nor, aside from the occasional too-tight closeups, does the video direction. In the special features, Davis speaks of the opera’s tension between "lighthearted music and the seriousness of the story," and all elements of this production fuse those key aspects in a way that makes this DVD a joy to hear and watch. Dan Davis Die Zauberflöte is an all-regions 2-disc set in 16:9 ratio. Sound options include Dolby Stereo and 5.1 Surround. Sung in German with subtitles in English and Spanish. Extras include an illustrated synopsis, a behind the scenes feature of the production, and Sir Colin Davis talking about Die Zauberflöte Average Rating:
 Rating:  - UnevenDisappointing. Damrau is excellent: a truly psychotic and even frightening "Queen." The boys are weak-ish but not horrible. Really my only substantial gripe is the costumes, and mostly that of Papagena. In the middle of a tolerable 18th century-ish look for the rest of the cast we have Papagena portrayed as a horny 21st century 18-year-old shopping queen in a tank top and miniskirt. The shock of her pulling down Papageno's pants on stage aside, her entire persona does not fit at all with the ... Read More Rating:  - Near Perfection if not already achieved!Sir Colin Davis has done it again! The genius has made another beautiful interpretation of the one of Mozart's final pieces. I may be biased since Die Zauberflote is my favorite opera, but this is a fantastic performance! The cast is magnificent, especially Diana Damaru as the Queen of the Night (my reason for the purchase). However Tamino and Pamina both give memorable performances. Papageno, however sticks out as one of the most memorable performances. He gives both humor and drama where needed, ... Read More Rating: - From Darkness into LightWhat an incredible portrayal of what is, in my opinion, Mozart's most beautiful opera. My love of this DVD began with the overture, with beautiful shots of the orchestra. Now, for the singing: Everyone in this production is amazing. The show-stealer is Dorothea Roschmann, as Pamina, who plays this character as if the role was made just for her. She is innocent, yet knowing, and her search for truth gives her layering that not all singers playing Pamina can properly delineate. Brava to ... Read More Rating: - wonderful performersWhen I saw Diana Damrau performing the Queen of The Night, I was breathless!!! I first saw her through you-tube, so I decided to buy this dvd. It's a pitty that they decided to publich on hd dvd instead of bluray... Rating: - It All Works Together on this DiskLike all works of art, opera is the sum of its parts. Opera joins music, both sung and played, acting, both physical and verbal, costumes, settings, and lighting. A video disk of an opera adds camera work and editing. What I found remarkable about this disk is that the total is greater than the sum of its parts. Yes, there is fine singing and playing. The acting is expressive and appropriate. There are quirky and specific costumes, often funny. Glorious sets (the Masonic set and the sun both stand ... Read More Browse for similar items by category:
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