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Amazon.co.uk Review
This production, directed by Robert Wilson and conducted by John Eliot Gardiner, is mesmerising. The all but ill-fated couple (Magdalena Kozena and Madeline Bender) move as if in a trance, their actions suggesting marionettes controlled by greater forces. Their faces are largely expressionless, leaving their voices to explore the force of the huge range of human emotions they must cover during the opera's 100 minutes. Only Cupid runs free. The performances are beautifully sung in French, Kozena bringing immense dignity to Orphée's lament, "J'ai perdu mon Eurydice". A powerful interpretation of an important work, fit for the 21st century. --Piers Ford
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Customer Reviews
Completely spellbinding from start to finish, Gluck's masterpiece tells the story of the mortal who entered Hell in order to recover his lost lover. This production is of Hector Berlioz's revision of the breakthrough opera seria, reconciling the original piece with the expanded French version that Gluck created in 1774 with the librettist Pierre-Louis Moline. Dramatic and rather sombre throughout, the sell-out ending will irritate, but hardly blemish the unmitigated beauty of the piece.
The only slight reservation I have about recommending this recording is the bout of influenza that must have been going around Paris at the time of the live performance; the audience seems to cough their way through most of the overture, and quite a lot of the opening scene, a distraction the listener could really do without.
This notwithstanding, I unreservedly suggest purchasing this DVD. I bought it a month or so ago and with the number of times I've listened to it I must have got my money's worth at least twice over.
The direction by Robert North should alert you to the style of the interpretation; lots of walking sideways, backward, strange poses and gestures - that aside, this is a wonderful presentation, the minimalist set design and subdued colouring and lighting effects very much in keeping with the spirit of Gluck`s own (for his time) radical aesthetic. The result is a timeless and quite beautiful vision of the piece. This was, apparently a troubled production, but you would never know it; the three singers are marvellous in their roles and Kozena in particular is mesmerising.
The DVD presents a 16.9 widescreen version of the film (not fullscreen as listed) the necessary subtitles and the only extra is a 25min trailer reel.
A very good buy and worth shopping round for.
Addendum.
I offer this review in good faith, as I enjoyed this production regardless of omissions/performance issues (this is based upon the Berlioz revision, apparently). North and Kozena may divide opinion and this is a modern realisation - I liked it, you might too! If you have doubts look elsewhere, but I stand by my rating; if you`re tempted, it can be found at a reasonable price if you look around. Also, check out the reviews of the Arthaus DVD; search DVD: Magdalena Kozena.
Ravishingly beautiful melodies.Surreal set and lighting.
All three protagonists,Magdalena Kozena as Orpheus, Madeline Bender as Urydice and Patricia Petibon as Cupid are perfectly cast.
Kozena's rich coloratura voice is very beautiful indeed. Bender is equally so and Pitibon's interpretation of Cupid is light and fairly-like.
The Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra Revolutionnaire et Romantique are, as we have to to expect under the direction of Sir John Eliot Gardiner, as near to perfect as is humanly possible.
Stage direction (Robert Wilson) and TV direction(Brian Large) quite outstanding.
A masterpiece - don't hesitate.
Ferdia Riordan
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