La Belle Helene: Zurich Opera House (Nikolaus Harnoncourt) (1996)

Name: La Belle Helene: Zurich Opera House (Nikolaus Harnoncourt)
Rating: 4.2

4.2 of 5 from 45 ratings

2h 4min

Unavailable

Synopsis:: Show moreShow less
A superficial view may regard Offenbach's lightweight masterpiece, 'La Belle Hélène', as merely an opera buffa. But closer scrutiny of this charming, imaginative firework of intrigue makes one thing clear: the story of the Greek queen who started off the Trojan war is, in this version, a humorous and satirical caricature of the vulgar, decadent Parisian upper classes of Offenbach's own day. Who better suited to produce a modern rendering of this work than the now highly acclaimed Nikolaus Harnoncourt, who also ensured the works historical accuracy? Employing a small string section, shining, colourful brass and richly varied percussion, the opera still strikes one as exceptionally modern.
This impression is also enhanced by the designers of the production, recorded at the Zurich Opera House: no less a figure than the fashion designer JeanCharles de Castelbajac was responsible for the humorously expansive costumes; and the highly subtle stage set was the work of Paolo Pivas.
Actors:: Vesselina Kasarova, Deon Van Der Walt, Carlos Chausson, Volker Vogel, Oliver Widmer, Liliana Nikiteanu, Ruben Amoretti, Cheyne Davidson, Steve Davislim, Ruth Rohner, Ulrika Precht, Lisa Larsson, Karl Adam, Jean-Paul Beglin, Jakob Baumann
Directors:: Hartmut Schottler
Writers:: Ludovic Halévy, Henri Meilhac
Studio:: Arthaus Musik
Genres:: Comedy, Music & Musicals, Performing Arts, Special Interest
Countries:: France, Switzerland