Title: Thrilling Production of a Fascinating Opera
Product review: This opera by Hindemith, based on an E.T.A. Hoffman story, has failed to capture much public interest since its Dresden premiere in 1926. Perhaps this fine new Bel Air dvd can help remedy that. The Paris Opera production is intelligently directed, well-sung and acted, nicely conducted by Kurt Nagano, and has a drop-dead gorgeous physical production that looks wonderful, glittering and detailed, in this beautiful transfer. Anyone comfortable with Strauss or Korngold won't find this music difficult going -- much of it is ravishing -- and the psychology of the libretto's still intriguing. The Bel Air release. while pricey, is preferable, both dramatically and musically, to the DG Ponnelle version. Will repay investigation in spades.
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