Mozart;Wolfgang Amadeus Le Noz [Import]: Amazon.ca: Walter Berry, Reri Grist, Wiener Philharmoniker, Ingvar Wixell, Edith Mathis, Claire Watson, David Thaw, Zoltn Kelemen, Margarethe Bence, Klaus Hirte, Deirdre Aselford, Alfred Pfeifle, Gnther Rennert: DVD

Product Details

Actors: Walter Berry, Reri Grist, Wiener Philharmoniker, Ingvar Wixell, Edith Mathis
Directors: Gnther Rennert
Format: Classical, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC, Import
Region: Region 1 (US and Canada This DVD will probably NOT be viewable in other countries. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 1
MPAA Rating:
Studio: Tdk DVD Video
Release Date: Oct 21 2003
Run Time: 180 minutes

Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

ASIN: B0000DG057

Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Product Description

This production created for the opening of the Salzburg Festival in 1966, which remained on the programme for five years, was Karl Böhm’s last Salzburg Figaro. After multiple tries to stage Figaro at the Salzburg Festival in the 1950's and 60's, the successful team Karl Böhm/Günther Rennert mounted this production with new décor, costumes by Rudolf Heinrich and with a practically new, young cast of singers. It was not only the celebrated highlight of the festival summer 1966 but also became a ‘standard for Mozart’ – that at least was the headline the German critic and future director of the Stuttgart Opera, Wolfram Schwinger, gave his report in the ‘Stuttgarter Zeitung’ of 27 July 1966. "Never before has Figaro been staged in such a totally meaningful way and so balanced in its theatrical and emotional elements." As far as the critics are concerned, the singers of this Salzburg Figaro are also "a stroke of luck for the Festival, who right at the beginning set a risky standard for anything that follows". This film from the archives of Austrian Television, which has been digitally restored in sound and picture for this DVD, preserves an exemplary Mozart performance in its fascinating immediacy, which is rare even at the Salzburg Festival.

Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Le Nozze di Figaro May 1 2004

By Denali.fire

Contrary to Mr Cotton's review of this DVD, I wonder how anyone could NOT notice this this production is in black and white...Perhaps those who are color blind? Note well: this recording is in mono not stero...again a noticeable difference. Although performances are fine I reget purchasing this for my collection. However, if you are deaf and color-blind I urge you to purchase this recording.

Was this review helpful to you?

Yes

5.0 out of 5 stars Genius, Even in Black and White Mar 8 2004

By Sam Cotten

Yes, you read the title correctly: this DVD is not in color; however, this is such an amazing production that you can barely notice the fact that it is in black and white after the first few minutes. Swedish baritone Ingvar Wixell is Count Almaviva, and it is unbelievable how his voice sounded in his younger days. He enunciates so clearly that you could hear exactly what he is saying throughout the entire production so well that you could write out the words he sings just from hearing him. his voice is also marvelous and will enchant you until he is all that you can think about. Walter Berry is Figaro, and will make sure that there is a smile on your face throughout the entire production; he is very funny, a good actor, and has a beautiful bass voice suited wonderfully for his part. American soprano Reri Grist is a very sweet and dainty Susanna and almost could make you cry after hearing how beautifuly she sings the rondò, "Deh, vieni, non tardar" in the fourth act. Many buyers might consider it a disadvantage that this DVD is not in color, but anyone who enjoys a good opera regardless of the recording would love it. Even without the color, the sound quality is wonderful. The staging is also very clever and appealing. This was filmed at the Vienna State Opera in 1966 under the baton of Karl Böhm.

Was this review helpful to you?

Yes

Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com ^(beta)

Amazon.com: 4.2 out of 5 stars 8 reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Genius, Even in Black and White Mar 7 2004

By Sam Cotten - Published on Amazon.com

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Black and white, but is this a problem ??? Sep 15 2004

By AM - Published on Amazon.com

No, it isn't a problem, 'cause we have one of the best renditions of "Le Nozze di Figaro". Here, the conductor is Karl Böhm, a master in Mozart's music (although a little sleepy in his last years, not the case here), and the main singers are marvellous too: Berry is a clever Figaro, great on stage and with a strong voice; Wixell as The Count contrasts perfectly with his servant, singing with a noble timbre. Grist was one of Böhm's most frequent choices, and sings an idiomatic Susanna . Claire Watson wasn't the best Contessa at that time, but looks like a member of "noblesse" and overall is satisfactory.

Comprimarii singers are good, as the chorus. And the orchestra is Wiener Philharmoniker, no more words about this.

This is a Salzburg Festival's production, taped at 1966. Good image in B&W, nice sound. For a modern production, look at Gardiner's, but this is indispensable.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Into the Enchanted May 26 2005

By Pupil - Published on Amazon.com

Modern performances may be more "liberal", but they are too often poisoned by a singer's heightened vanities, prides, arrogances, fears, anxieties etc. etc. etc.

Thus, it is so, so refreshing to plunge into this old-world production of Mozart's enchanting opera, where the singers are much less concerned with "performing" as they are with discovering, enjoying, sharing. So liberal are they truly, that to relativize them is to have already betrayed their magnificent craft.

Here, Figaro makes us smile; Susanna makes us friends; Cherubino makes us reflect; and the Don helps us to change. They sing like different birds.

Immortal Mozart, through the Maestro Bohm and the Vienna Philharmonic, affirms Love and strengthens our hearts.

Though I sense that the great and hidden teachings in this opera must be sought out, yet do its greatest delights and enchanting music shine resplendent for all to share, see, and enjoy.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 8 reviews 4.2 out of 5 stars

Listmania!

Mozart;Wolfgang Amadeus Le Noz [Import]

Product Details

Product Description

Product Description

Customer Reviews

Listmania!

Look for similar items by category

Feedback