Beethoven: Fidelio (Blu-Ray) – Lise Davidsen, David Butt Philip

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Artists: Lise Davidsen, David Butt Philip, Robin Tritschler, Amanda Forsythe, Simon Neal, Egils Silinš, Georg Zeppenfeld, Filipe Manu, Timothy Dawkins, Royal Opera Chorus, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Director: Tobias Kratzer
Video Format: 1080i
Sound Format: LPCM 2.0; DTS-HD Master Audio
Language: Italian
Subtitles: English, French, German, Japanese, Korean
Region: All Regions
Number of Discs: 1
Studio: Opus Arte
Blu-Ray Release Date: January 28, 2022
Run Time: 133 minutes

Beethoven’s only opera is a masterpiece, an uplifting story of risk and triumph. In this new production, conducted by Antonio Pappano, David Butt Philip plays the political prisoner Florestan, and Lise Davidsen his wife Leonore (disguised as Fidelio) who daringly sets out to rescue him. Set in strong counterpoint are the ingredients of domestic intrigue, determined love and the cruelty of an oppressive regime. The music is transcendent throughout, with highlights including the famous Act I Quartet, the Prisoners’ Chorus, and Florestan’s aria, which conjures hope from the depths of despair. Tobias Kratzer’s new staging brings together the dark reality of the French Revolutionary “Terror” and our own time to illuminate Fidelio’s inspiring message of shared humanity.

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