Prices shown exclude VAT. (UK tax is not payable for deliveries to United States.)
See Terms & Conditions for p&p rates. | |  | Live Recording from From The Teatro Alla Scala, 2007
Choreography by George Balanchine Restaged by Patricia Neary, Sara Leland Set & Costume Design by Luisa Spinatelli The DVD shows a recording of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the famous Balanchine choreography, which made the ballet such a popular staple with companies all over the world. Danced by three star-dancers in the main roles and a company that ranks among the best in the world, it guarantees first class entertainment. George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the summery counterpart to his Christmassy Nutcracker: Its youthful charm and light esprit, the ease of transition between the realm of Oberon’s fairy kingdom, the aristocratic world of the Athenian court, the tit-for-tat of the bourgeois lovers and the artisans’ provincial theatre and the “free spirit” Puck, makes it a ballet for the whole family and a joy to watch. The whole production with its fantastic costumes, the fairy-tale scenery and the wonderful dancing is like an unearthly dream in itself. Sound Format: PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 Picture Format: 16:9 DVD Format: DVD 9, NTSC Running Time: 104 mins FSK: 0 “Balanchine's Shakespearean homage...shows a master's touch in combining story-telling with divertissements” BBC Music Magazine, March 2011 **** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Le SongeRecorded at The Grimaldi Forum Monaco, 2009
Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo Based on the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Choreography & Film by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE MAILLOT Music by FELIX MENDELSSOHN, DANIEL TERUGGI, BERTRAND MAILLOT Scenography by ERNEST PIGNON-ERNEST Costumes by PHILIPPE GUILLOTEL Plunge headlong into the colourful fantasy and enchantment of a Shakespeare classic, gorgeously reinterpreted by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo -- under the Presidency of H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover. Gorgeous dancing – and wildly imaginative sets and costumes – bring to vivid life the ecstatic, elegant eroticism in Shakespeare‘s classic fantasy. Internationally acclaimed choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot, brilliantly unites theatre, dance, and music (including Mendelssohn‘s captivating score) in a fairytale world of mischievous sprites and mortals. Hapless humans entangled in the net of their own unconscious impulses create a dream-like comedy surfi ng on the wings of the maddest desires. This visually stunning ballet interweaves small dances, theatrical scenes, expressive mime and even circus acts, telling a captivating story with the aid of larger-than-life mythical characters. The crowd of characters is carried along in a noisy, comic, acrobatic dance, daring to make joyful jokes, perform immodest, naughty tricks, displaying cheekiness, and frivolous eroticism. One of the great merits of the ballet comes from the artists themselves, who bring exuberant enthusiasm and superior acting and dancing skills to their roles. „Maillot has gained a reputation for challenging the dance establishment...with a passion for something new.“ The New York Times “… the Ballets de Monte-Carlo could not have dreamed of anything better than this animal-inspired Songe which awakens their passions.” Libération Sound Format: PCM Stereo, DD 4.1 Picture Format: 16:9 DVD Format: DVD 9, NTSC Running Time: 101 mins FSK: 6 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | A Musical Journey: ItalyA Musical Tour of Tuscany, Umbria and Rome
Music by Mendelssohn The Places Our tour of Italy starts in the countryside near Orvieto, moves to the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, then to Montalcino and its ancient abbey. We see the Tuscan landscape around Montepulciano, glimpse Siena and finally see something of the historic buildings of Florence. The Music As part of his Grand Tour of Europe, the young Felix Mendelssohn visited Italy in the autumn of 1830 and it was there that he began his Italian Symphony, completed in 1833 in Berlin and first performed in that year in London. His Violin Concerto in E minor was completed in 1844 and remains an essential element in any violinist’s solo repertoire. Video Format • NTSC / Colour / 4:3 Audio Format • DTS 5.1 / Dolby Digital 5.1 / PCM Stereo 2.0 Region Coding • No Region Coding | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | An Opera for Children. Original world première recording.
Edith Mathis, Arlene Saunders, Raymond Wolansky, William Workman, Kurt Marschner, Ursula Boese, Franz Grundheber & Noel Mangin Members of the Corps de ballet of the Hamburg State Opera
and two children’s choirs, Gian-Carlo Menotti, directed for TV by Joachim Hess, artistic direction by Rolf Liebermann Recording Date: 1969
Place of recording: Historical Studio Production from the Hamburg State Opera
Running Time: 71 min
Picture Format: 4:3
Sound Format: Mono
Language: D
Menu Languages NTSC: D, F, GB, SP
Subtitle Languages NTSC: D, F, GB, I, SP
“Menotti's own studio production of his sci-fi children's opera was filmed following its 1968 Hamburg premiere. Mixed film quality scarcely detracts from the stylish visuals and the piece itself is good fun.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2007 **** “Directed by the composer with all the colourful melodrama of an American B-movie, the soloists of Hamburg's late-1960s house ensemble get a real chance to shine in what is virtually the world premiere of Menotti's children's sci-fi opera. In the libretto – a jolly collision between The War ofthe Worlds, the Munchkins from the land of Oz and Hansel and Gretel – only (tonal) music and musicians can save the earth from the invading Globolinks and their electronic (ie, non-musical) voices. Nikolas Schöffler (lighting) and Alwin Nikolais (costumes and Globolink choreography) make essential contributions to the visual realisation of the aliens as sinister, flexible lampshades, and the creation of a spooky atmosphere a cut above most contemporary TV series.
The score is an eclectic mix of Menotti's trademark second-generation verismo – handy for the tantrums of the principal role, Madame Euterpova, a wacky mid-European music teacher – and Kurt Weill-like recitative and marching rhythms for the children and their driver whose school trip goes astray in the forest. This musical storytelling has a compelling narrative simplicity which, like Benjamin Britten's, never becomes saccharine or patronising. The characters, especially the three supporting teachers, have a pleasing Roald Dahl wackiness, making them natural stage roles.
It's not everyday you get to see Edith Mathis as a violin-playing schoolgirl, or Arlene Saunders (the company's Agathe and Eva) as the eccentric music teacher with a Bewitched-style nose.
Wolansky too is genuinely funny as the confused, and unmusical, head of the school who becomes the one human sacrifice to the Globolinks.
Sterling digital restoration seconds the fine balance of the production between comic and serious, making for an unintended but most effective tribute to Menotti's wide-ranging theatrical creativity.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010 “A completely charming little production which I recommend unreservedly” MusicWeb International | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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Marie Powers (Madame Flora 'Baba'), Anna Maria Alberghetti (Monica), Leo Colman (Toby) Symphony Orchestra of Rome Radio Italiana, Thomas Schippers This 1950s adaptation of the opera includes more than thirty minutes of additional scenes and music which Menotti wrote specifically for the film. Produced by Walter Lowendahl. Based on the Broadway production presented by Chandler Cowles and Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. | | | This item is currently out of stock at the UK distributor. You may order it now but please be aware that it may be six weeks or more before it can be despatched. |
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| |  | A Musical Drama
Patricia Neway (Magda Sorel), Chester Ludgin (John Sorel), Regina Sarfaty (Secretary of the Consulate), Evelyn Sachs (Mother), Maria Marlo (Foreign Woman), Leon Lishner (Secret Police Agent), Maria di Gerlando (Anna Gomez), Ruth Kobart (Vera Boronel), Arnold Voketaitis (Mr. Kofner) A major discovery! A dramatically powerful 1960 television production of Menotti’s most provocative work. Patricia Neway, the famed creator of the role of Magda Sorel in the Broadway run of this opera, brings the character to life here with astonishing realism. The superlative supporting cast includes baritone Chester Ludgin. 125 min., B&W. The Consul is sung in English with optional subtitles in English, French, German and Italian. | | | Usually despatched in 4 - 5 working days. |
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Maureen Forrester (Madam Flora), Shawna Farrell (Monica), Stello Calagias (Toby), Rosemarie Landry (Mrs Gobineau), Gino Quilico (Mr Gobineau), Barbara Ianni (Mrs Nolan) Stratford Opera Ensemble, Raffi Armenian Maureen Forrester stars in this powerful production which originated at the Comus Music Theatre of Canada. Sung in English with optional English, French, German and Italian subtitles. 1978 telecast | | | Usually despatched in 4 - 5 working days. |
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Rosemary Kuhlmann (Mother), Bill McIver (Amahl), Andrew McKinley (King Caspar), David Aiken (King Melchior), Leon Lishner (King Balthazar), Francis Monachino (Servant), John Butler, Glen Tetley, Carmen Gutierrez (Dancing Shepherds) Members of the Symphony of the Air, Thomas Schippers The yearly live telecasts of Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitorswere a cherished Christmas tradition throughout the 1950s. In addition, since its premiere in 1951, Amahl has been performed regularly by community groups and small opera companies throughout the US, making it the single most popular American opera. This production, staged by the composer himself and originally telecast on Christmas Day, 1955, is a testament to the work’s enduring power to move the heart and stir the soul. Also on the DVD, from the same broadcast, is The Columbus Boychoir performing Christmas carols. The DVD also includes an exclusive 2007 interview with Rosemary Kuhlmann, who played the Mother in the premiere and all the subsequent telecasts. 55 minutes (plus 30 min. bonus), black & white, mono, all regions Live telecast, 25th December, 1955 | | | Usually despatched in 4 - 5 working days. |
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| |  | Gian Carlo Menotti: Die Alte Jungfer Und Der Dieb & Das MediumHistorical Studio Production, 1961 & 1964
Menotti: | The Old Maid and the Thief sung in German as 'Die Alter Jungfer und der Dieb' Elisabeth Höngen (Miss Todd), Olive Moorefield (Laetitia), Hilde Konetzni (Miss Pinkerton) & Eberhard Waechter (Bob) Wolfgang Rennert The Medium sung in German as 'Das Medium' Elisabeth Höngen (Madame Flora), José De Vine (Monika Maria), Nino Albanese (Toby) & Hilde Konetzni (Mrs. Nolan) Armando Aliberti |
Orchestra of The Wiener Volksoper Directed by Otto Schenk & Set Design by Gerhard Hruby Gian Carlo Menotti was one of the most important 20th-century composers of opera working in the United States. The Old Maid and the Thief and The Medium are brilliant studio recordings from the early years of television. The two operas depict everyday stories about personal relationships and crime in America during the first half of 20th century. The performances are given by a first-rate cast, including Elisabeth Höngen, Eberhard Waechter and Olive Moorefield. The Orchestra of the Wiener Volksoper is conducted by Wolfgang Rennert (The Old Man and the Thief) and Armando Alberti (The Medium). An important document of operatic and film history, this restored recording is available on DVD for the first time. BONUS: Interview with Otto Schenk Sound Format: PCM Mono Picture Format: 4:3 DVD Format: DVD 9, NTSC Running Time: 117 mins (Opera), 10 mins (Bonus) Subtitle Languages: DE, IT, GB, FR, ES, JP FSK: 0 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Menotti: Der KonsulSung in German
Eberhard Waechter (John Sorel), Melitta Muszely (Magda Sorel), Res Fischer (Mother), Willy Ferenz (Secret Police Agent), Hilde Konetzni (Vera Boronel), László Szemere (Magician), Gloria Lane (Secretary) Orchestra of The Wiener Volksoper, Franz Bauer-Theussl (conductor) & Rudolph Cartier (director) Set Design by Robert Posik Gian Carlo Menotti was one of the most important 20th-century composers of opera working in the United States. For his opera The Consul he won the Pulitzer Prize for Music and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. This unique studio recording from the early years of television is performed by an extraordinary cast featuring Melitta Muszely, Eberhard Waechter, Res Fischer and Hilde Konetzni. The plot of the politically charged drama takes place in Europe of the 1950s. The Orchestra of the Wiener Volksoper is conducted by Franz Bauer-Theussl. An important document of operatic and film history, this restored recording is available on DVD for the first time. BONUS: Interview with Gian Carlo Menotti Sound Format: PCM Mono Picture Format: 4:3 DVD Format: DVD 9, NTSC Subtitle Languages: DE, IT, GB, FR, ES, JP Running Time: 99 mins (Opera), 4 mins (Bonus) FSK: 0 “Directed by Rudolph Cartier, it's shot in relentless close-ups that give neither the performers nor the viewers anywhere to hide. Melitta Muszely charts Magda's progress from desperation to hope to suicidal despair with uncompromising veracity. There are equally impressive performances from Eberhard Waechter as her husband and Gloria Lane as the consular secretary” The Guardian, 9th December 2010 ***** | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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