London Philharmonic Orchestra

This legendary Glyndebourne-production by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle from 1976 stars the outstanding baritone Donald Gramm, who had few equals among bass-baritones and who perfectly embodies the likeable loser Falstaff. He is wonderfully supported by a cast of luminaries in the form of Benjamin Luxon, Elizabeth Gale and Kay Griffel. The London Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by John Pritchard.

Verdi’s final work is a tribute to one of Shakespeare’s comic characters, the roguish hero Falstaff. In order to avoid his bankruptcy, the old knight Falstaff courts Alice Ford and Meg Page, rich townsmen’s wives. The two amused ladies as well as Falstaff’s former old cronies (Pistola and Bardolfo) and Alice’s jealous husband resolve to play a joke on the complacent and clumsy drunkard. But in the end the mocked Falstaff turns the tables and exposes everything as a game. The moral of this opera: “Tutte nel mondo é burla... Ma ride ben chi ride la risata final” (The whole world is but a joke and he laughs best who laughs last).

Sound Format: PCM Stereo

Picture Format: 4:3

DVD Format: DVD 9 / NTSC

Subtitle Languages: IT (Original Language), GB, DE, FR, ES

Running Time: 118 mins

FSK: 0

Stage Designer DAVID HOCKNEY

Glyndebourne’s 1978 production of Mozart’s Zauberflöte received as much critical acclaim for the imaginative David Hockney sets as for the operatic performance. Hockney, known internationally for his pop art, emphasised the magical and mystical qualities of one of Mozart’s best known operas – and the spirit was wonderfully refl ected in John Cox’s production.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by Bernard Haitink.

Mozart’s tale of Papageno and Pince Tamino’s quest to rescue Pamina and overthrow the Queen of the Night is one of his best loved operas and here receives an impressive treatment with Leo Goeke, Felicity Lott and Benjamin Luxon in the leading roles. Essential for such an opera, there is a great happy end: Tamino and Pamina overcome their trials and become a loving couple, the malicious Queen of the Night is humbled and even Papageno finds his Papagena.

Sound Format: PCM Stereo

Picture Format: 4:3

DVD Format: DVD 9 / NTSC

Subtitle Languages: DE (Original Language), FR, GB, ES

Running Time: 163 mins

FSK: 0

Since its debut in 1934 the Glyndebourne Festival has put a focus on Mozart operas and developed a great competence in staging them. Mozart’s operas seem to be made for the small but fine opera house in Glyndebourne and it’s not surprising that the 1977 Don Giovanni, one of Mozart’s great masterpieces, was a huge success.

This production is conducted by Bernard Haitink who holds the opinion, that no other composer had more opera in his blood than Mozart. It has been proven, for example, that Mozart had no overture for Don Giovanni until the evening before the premiere in Prague and wrote it down in just one night.

Like the premiere’s success of the opera in Prague in 1787 the Glyndebourne’s version staged by Peter Hall was praised by audience and critics alike: “We witness a lively and wide-awake ensemble piece that has easily survived all these decades, and still manages to teach many directors the art of playing theatre.” (WDR) With outstanding performances by Horiana Branisteanu, Benjamin Luxon, Stafford Dean and Leo Goeke this production is a real highlight.

Sound Format: PCM Stereo

Picture Format: 4:3

DVD Format: DVD 9 / NTSC

Subtitle Languages: IT (Original Language), GB, DE, FR, ES

Running Time: 174 mins

FSK: 0

Le nozze di Figaro, Mozart’s timeless opera buffa, is one of the greatest of all operatic masterpieces. It is based on Beaumarchais’ comedy Le Mariage de Figaro and tells the tale of the servant Figaro, who is about to marry the maid Susanna. Count Almaviva, keeping an eye on Susanna himself, tries to prevent this marriage with the help of Bartolo, the doctor, but is continually thwarted.

This classic 1973 production by legendary director Peter Hall features a cast of renowned opera singers lead by Kiri Te Kanawa as the Countess, arguably her finest role and certainly the role that made her an international superstar. Knut

Skram’s charming and charismatic take on the character of Figaro complements Ileana Cotrubas’ gentle Susanna, and also noteworthy is the outstanding performance by Frederica von Stade as Cherubino.

It is doubtless thanks to the supreme conductorship of John Pritchard that excellent singers, who perform even in supporting roles, provide a well-rounded ensemble performance. Pritchard had been associated to the Glyndebourne theatre since 1947, and he gradually took over to continue Fritz Busch’s initial work as a Choirmaster and Assistant.

Sound Format: PCM Stereo

Picture Format: 4:3

DVD Format: DVD 9 / NTSC

Subtitle Languages: IT (Original Language), GB, DE, FR, ES

Running Time: 185 mins

FSK: 0