This is a very theatrical digital studio recording in AMAZING sound and the singing is more than faultless...it's WONDERFUL. The Sym Orch des Bayerishcen Rundfunks/Jeffrey Tate are superb...SUPERB! The orchestra sounds suitably dreamy, majestic and ...well, plain 'fun' where required. They all sound as though they're having a good time, to put it simply!
Andreas Schmidt's voice is sheer beauty. His role as the father/hunter is full of character and feeling. Needless to say that Hannah Schwartz as the mother doesn't miss a step.
It's Barbara Bonney and Anne Sofie von Otter who steal the show, of course....but there is strong competition from Marjana Lipovsek's superlative witch- we're talking about a rival to Christa Ludwig's legendary performance in the role here! As the mischievous little siblings, Bonney and von Otter are adorable! The singing is simply ravishing and the vocal acting completely convincing. Lipovsek's witch is a treat and what a ride! Amazing!
And to have Barbara Hendricks in the small role of the Sandman!!!! Wow! Both Hendricks and Eva Lind (the Taumann) are suitably ethereal in their roles. Ever just long for sweet-voiced, stunning vocals? Well here you go...just like the witches house, they are full of sweetness!
This is a truly enjoyable opera on every front and it's so musically well structured that it will command respect from even the most 'serious,' hard-nosed opera buffs. HIGHLY recommended.