Cheap Wagner - Parsifal / Ventris, Hampson, Meier, Salminen, Fox, Kristinsson, Nagano, Berlin Opera (DVD) Price

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Customer Reviews of Wagner - Parsifal / Ventris, Hampson, Meier, Salminen, Fox, Kristinsson, Nagano, Berlin Opera

A moving, creative, dramatic presentation
This outstanding DVD reinterprets the story without veering from the intent. The psychological and philosophical aspects are in the forefront, in a post-apocalyptic world. Everyone shines in this never dull opera...in spite of its length. The extra features are great, something rare in opera DVDs: A thorough synopsis, and an analysis of the work, largely by members of the cast. The booklet is also excellent. I'd have liked more information on the vision of the director. Technically it doesn't get much better, and the music is thrilling. The stellar cast is perfect in their roles (My only concern was Kundry's first appearance--I thought for a moment that she came from the cast of Cats). >Bottom line--this is a MUST for anyone who appreciates Wagner.

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Brilliant Production
With an all star cast and every member of the cast giving their all, this is an impressive production. While Salminen, Meier and Hampson sing impressively, Christopher Ventris is brilliant. He is a young and hyperactive wild man in a world of the sick and infirm. His activity level makes the staticness of the other characters into an asset. <
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>The production is modern, but intelligent. It avoids the "look at me I'm a wild and crazy designer" problems that afflict many European productions. Whlie one might not agree with every design choice, there is a clear point of view and the production works visually and dramatically. <
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>The quality of the audio and video recording is first rate.

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A gripping, transforming performance
The singing throughout is outstanding: Salminen has rarely been more effective, likewise Meyer, Fox and Hampson; Ventris is a very moving, soft-spoken Parsifal. The various concepts involved in the staging are fascinating (Kundry as redemptive force, etc.) even when they don't totally work (why is Klingsor a kabuki actor?). The end result is just amazingly gripping and makes returning to the traditional Met Opera/Levine staging seem strangely dull and out-dated. Nagano conducts at a speed equal to Boulez which turns the opera from a dirge into a dramatic force.