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Wagner's Lohengrin is presented here in a Bayreuth Festival production staged by renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog, with Peter Scheider conducting the Bayreuth Festival Orchesta. The production features Cheryl Studer as Elsa, Paul Frey as Lohengrin, as well as Gabriele Schnaut, Ekkehard Wlaschiha and Manfred Schenk.
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Lohengrin (2 Dvd)
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By Carl Vaughan
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is in almost every way a first class (1990) production, with all the important ingredients fully in evidence. Wagner's music is well conducted by Peter Schneider and the 5.1 sound allows it to bloom, only rarely threatening to swamp the singers, mostly due to the quality of the cast. The eponymous hero is superbly sung by Canadian Paul Frey, who brings dignity and compassion to the role. He is ably matched by an on-form Cheryl Studer, who can move from passion to vulnerability with apparent ease. The intonation and articulation of both stars can hardly be faulted, and the Act 3 duet is a joy to hear and watch, as the couple also look the part of young lovers. The supporting cast of Manfred Schenk and Ekkerhard Wlaschiha fill the roles ably, with only Gabriele Schnaut adding a false note. As the villainess of the piece, a roughness of vocal technique can be appropriate and expressive, but at times the instability of her pitch reminds me of my first attempt at ice skating. Perhaps a little too much hysteria here.
The set designs are by Werner Herzog, and combine the traditional with the innovative quite beautifully. The opening scene by the shore is quite normal - a rock is a rock, and the waves (though moulded) are waves - but this is cross-faded to a scene with real water etc. So far traditional, but add to this some excellent projections onto the night sky, and a beautiful swan scene utilising modern laser technology, the scenic effect is superb.
It may be possible to do this opera differently, but I don't think it can be done better. I can heartily recommend this production to both newcomers and experienced viewers alike.
The set designs are by Werner Herzog, and combine the traditional with the innovative quite beautifully. The opening scene by the shore is quite normal - a rock is a rock, and the waves (though moulded) are waves - but this is cross-faded to a scene with real water etc. So far traditional, but add to this some excellent projections onto the night sky, and a beautiful swan scene utilising modern laser technology, the scenic effect is superb.
It may be possible to do this opera differently, but I don't think it can be done better. I can heartily recommend this production to both newcomers and experienced viewers alike.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Colin Monk
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
A magnificent production with remarkable stagecraft. The laser effects for the arrival/departure of Lohengrin do not carry over well on DVD because of the interaction of the laser frequency and that of the original recording mechanism, but don't let this detract from a thrilling production. Only if you were privileged to have seen this in the opera house, would you know that the full laser effect is lacking on DVD. The other elements of the staging are terrific with first rate cast: Cheryl Studer looks the part and sings superbly as does Paul Frey; Gabrielle Schnaut exudes evil and malice. A rather static production, with superb groupings and costumes. Full of interest. Highly recommended. Must be the best in an opera house anywhere!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By B. Hall
Format:DVD
Magnificent. Excellent sound and colour. Only Lohengrin himself is missing something in the acting department. What a pity it isn't widescreen. But worth every penny. The swan transformation is worthy of photographer/artist Bill Viola, another Wagner enthusiast.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Enjoyable Lohengrin
I had not heard Lohengrin for some years apart from the Overture of course (Lohengrin was composed early before Wagner devised his "Music Dramas" which is the reason why I used the... Read more
Published 5 months ago by E. A. Redfearn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sad and brilliant
This is a great version of Lohengrin. Studer is a lovely, touching Elsa, Ortrud is scary in the best way, and Lohengrin himself is strong of voice wihtout being giant of body. Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2010 by D. M. Purkiss
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