Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice

At its best, indeed, in the unadorned unfolding of hell and then heaven, the experience strikes fire in a manner crucially lacking in other filmed Orfeos. Unfortunately, not even this one comes... — BBC Music Magazine, September 2014, 4 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 28th Apr 2014
Catalogue No: 108103
Label: Arthaus Musik

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Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice

Filmed at the Baroque Theatre of Cˇeský Krumlov Castle
Bejun Mehta (Orfeo), Eva Liebau (Euridice) & Regula Mühlemann (Amore)
Collegium 1704, Collegium Vocale 1704
Václav Luks

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Cinema Edition.

A Film by Ondrˇej Havelka.

The Baroque Theatre of Cˇ eský Krumlov Castle provides an ideal setting for one of the most important operas in music history, Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice. Director Ondrˇej Havelka captures much more than a stage performance: combining period details with modern psychological interpretation he chooses a cinematic approach that literally takes us behind the scenes of this unique venue. Bejun Mehta, ‘arguably the best countertenor in the world today’ (Sueddeutsche Zeitung), lends credibility to the emotions tormenting Orfeo’s heart. As his beloved Euridice, Austrian soprano Eva Liebau juggles joy and jealousy. Bringing comic relief to the work’s dark tone is Regula Mühlemann as Amore, who cheerily sends mortals zigzagging on their way to life, love – and, maybe, death. Under the baton of baroque specialist Václav Luks, the splendid soloists are supported by the Prague orchestra and vocal ensemble Collegium 1704 and Collegium Vocale 1704. This is the perfect new release to celebrate Gluck’s 300th anniversary in 2014!

Sound Formats: PCM Stereo, dts-HD Master Audio 5.0

Picture Format: 16:9

Blu-ray Disc: 25 GB (Single Layer)

Blu-Ray Resolution: 1080i High Definition

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

Running Time: 75 mins

FSK: 0

Worldwide available

Region Code: worldwide

Reviews

September 2014

At its best, indeed, in the unadorned unfolding of hell and then heaven, the experience strikes fire in a manner crucially lacking in other filmed Orfeos. Unfortunately, not even this one comes free of curious directorial glosses...But since [Mehta] is a superbly commanding, passionate interpreter of Gluck's vocal lines, and since his cast colleagues give accounts of their music no less sensitive, the powerful impact of the whole survives the passing flaws.

September 2014

[Mühlemann] portrays the character [Amor] with great charm. Eva Liebau is excellent as Eurydice, uncomprehending and then furious...Mehta mourns Eurydice at the start with tenderness, and there's a nice sense of wonder at the Elysian Fields...The period orchestra under Vaclav Luks is fine. There is much to enjoy here.

1st July 2014

[Mehta's] creamy tone and expressive use of vocal nuance is a notable strength...his acting is committed and his vocal articulation, expression and characterization are exemplary...Eva Liebau sings strongly and acts well as Euridice whilst Regula Mühlemann as Amore, in colourful attire, and after a spectacular entrance, does so as well.

July 2014

Using the 1762 Vienna version of the score (with judicious cuts), it boasts an Orfeo of blazing dramatic commitment in countertenor Bejun Mehta and makes haunting use of light and shadow, especially in the great Hades scene.

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Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice

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