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2DVD Ntsc, Region 0
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Once again the artistic coupling of Marc Minkowski and Laurent Pelly have dished up another serving of Offenbach's finest. Whether you will like this production will ultimately depend on your taste for Offenbach's music, although Messers M & L employ all their usual tricks to enhance your enjoyment. Those who have seen previous productions will know what I mean; the 3 dimensional sets, their use of dancers throughout and a frenetic fluidity and pace.
Admittedly this music is not as recognisable as Orpheus or La Belle Helene although there are some great foot tapping tunes, the usual patter songs and at no time does the music ever become turgid or drift aimlessly. Casting is superb, with Yann Beuron putting in his finest performance to date and wonderful singing from Felicity Lott. Also notable are the grotesque make up jobs on many of the characters.
I love this production and sincerely hope you will to. One final word, look out for the hilarious slapstick dance sequence between the 3rd and 4th tableau.
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I had never heard of this opera until I saw it on French television a year ago and was totally spellbound - I couldn't wait for it to be available on DVD. It is guaranteed to cheer you up - the music, the lyrics and the choreography are all excellent and Dame Felicity Lott is outstanding. There are lots of very interesting things going on in the background too with the chorus - keep your eyes peeled for the unusual headgear and props by some of the soldiers!
Well worth the money.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
What a fabulous romp through silliness, dripiness and pure unadulterated camp. All the well known bawdy tunes galloping along in an endless volley that will keep you smiling and at times just laughing outloud. This is a splendid production of fantasy which matches the story of a make believe Grande Duchy. All the dust and cobwebs are there together with the miss match, tumbledown sets. The cast are excellent and obviously enjoyed every minute of the performance. The curtain opens towards the end of the colourful overture to show what appear to be dead and wounded soldiers on a barren battlefield with one staggering towards the front of the stage clutching his chest through his tunic only to reveal a bottle of wine which he opens with a "pop" to which all others jump up........He is only drunk and so are the rest. You are into the madnes and need I say more?
The Duchess herself is portrayed by the magnificent Felicity Lott who holds centre stage throughout with a swagger and lilt of boredom with her tiresome position as head of the nation, excellently sung. All of the characters are little gems in their own right. Full marks to Pelly for a well thought out and lively production. The orchestra under Minkowski also have a jolly good romp. Plenty of Offenbachs catchy and infectious music is given with a ballet interlude as well. I would recommend this production to anyone and am sure, like me, it will become one of your favourite DVD's to pass away cold winter evenings. PS. Look for the potatoes! You will be as mystified as me!
The Duchess herself is portrayed by the magnificent Felicity Lott who holds centre stage throughout with a swagger and lilt of boredom with her tiresome position as head of the nation, excellently sung. All of the characters are little gems in their own right. Full marks to Pelly for a well thought out and lively production. The orchestra under Minkowski also have a jolly good romp. Plenty of Offenbachs catchy and infectious music is given with a ballet interlude as well. I would recommend this production to anyone and am sure, like me, it will become one of your favourite DVD's to pass away cold winter evenings. PS. Look for the potatoes! You will be as mystified as me!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
An exhilarating production and performance that provides outstanding...
This production of Offenbach's Grande-Duchesse was recorded at the Theatre du Chatelet in 2005. Although not perhaps as well-known as some of Offenbach's other comic operas, a... Read more
Published 18 months ago by I. Giles
5.0 out of 5 stars
A WHOLE LOTT OF FUN
This is one of the most entertaining operettas I have seen and heard. Some comments I have heard say Offenbach uses the same music over again, well there are some strong... Read more
Published 22 months ago by I. Zaneres
5.0 out of 5 stars
Offembach, Minkowsky, Lott, Pelly: a winner team
The Grande-Duchesse de Gerolstain is one of the most beautiful works I've never seen!
Felicity Lott is a wanderful singer and a fantastic actress too. Read more
Felicity Lott is a wanderful singer and a fantastic actress too. Read more
Published on 5 Nov 2010 by Cri Bologna
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb
Rather like a cross between Covent Garden's latest Daughter of the Regiment and La vie Parisienne! It is a gem and a bargain for the price.
Published on 12 May 2010 by D. M. Calvert-Orange
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein
This is an excellent DVD starring Felicity Lott, an amazing Mezzo soprano. The overall production is cleverly presented with an imaginative set. Read more
Published on 27 April 2010 by Mr. John S. Roach
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