This 1986 Production (though not first released until '87 in Germany), is a gem. If you only have the chance to view one Germanic Operetta. make it this production.
DIE FLEDERMAUS is one of the most (over) produced opera videos. Just look at the list here! And many, if not most are star vehicles for aging very non-Germanic opera superstars, who don't master the German Operetta genre (this is their first and last, usually). These productions mostly become parodies of FLEDERMAUS. The leads have to make fun of their horrible German accents, and other contradictions. Some productions are even in English, where all the humour loses sense!
Thankfully, this production comes from this opera's "backyard." Since DIE FLEDERMAUS defines the glory days of Vienna and Central Europe, it was high time a production from the area appeared. One with local accents, total command of the German language and humour, and expertise in the genre.
Well, it appeared. And I've owned it since POLYGRAM launched it in New York in 1988. What a feast! Seeing the audience enter the opulent Bayerische Staatsoper, which was an actual Royal Opera in DIE FLEDERMAUS' days, sets the right climate. then enters the elegant Carlos Kleiber, to conduct the world-class Bavarian State Orchestra.
After the unforgettable overture (one of Johann Strauss most-loved compositions), Otto Schenk's meticulous stage production is on view. With the sets by respected designer Gunther Schneider-Siemssen, in the background, we get one talented singer after another: Eberhard Wachter, Benno Kusche, Brigitte Faessbaender,..... All looking the part, as well as performing it to to perfection. The choreography of the Bavarian State Ballet and Chorus add more highlights....I could go on and on.
Buy it, if you like operetta. No better operetta video/DVD has been released since then.
DIE FLEDERMAUS is one of the most (over) produced opera videos. Just look at the list here! And many, if not most are star vehicles for aging very non-Germanic opera superstars, who don't master the German Operetta genre (this is their first and last, usually). These productions mostly become parodies of FLEDERMAUS. The leads have to make fun of their horrible German accents, and other contradictions. Some productions are even in English, where all the humour loses sense!
Thankfully, this production comes from this opera's "backyard." Since DIE FLEDERMAUS defines the glory days of Vienna and Central Europe, it was high time a production from the area appeared. One with local accents, total command of the German language and humour, and expertise in the genre.
Well, it appeared. And I've owned it since POLYGRAM launched it in New York in 1988. What a feast! Seeing the audience enter the opulent Bayerische Staatsoper, which was an actual Royal Opera in DIE FLEDERMAUS' days, sets the right climate. then enters the elegant Carlos Kleiber, to conduct the world-class Bavarian State Orchestra.
After the unforgettable overture (one of Johann Strauss most-loved compositions), Otto Schenk's meticulous stage production is on view. With the sets by respected designer Gunther Schneider-Siemssen, in the background, we get one talented singer after another: Eberhard Wachter, Benno Kusche, Brigitte Faessbaender,..... All looking the part, as well as performing it to to perfection. The choreography of the Bavarian State Ballet and Chorus add more highlights....I could go on and on.
Buy it, if you like operetta. No better operetta video/DVD has been released since then.