Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9713 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-11-10
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 3
• Formats: Classical, Colour, DVD-Video, PAL
• Original language: German
• Subtitled in: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish
• Number of discs: 3
• Running time: 80 minutes

Customer Reviews

Magnificent new Chereau production at La Scala
Wagner - Tristan Und Isolde (Barenboim)

For me this production by Pierre Chereau of Tristan has no weaknesses and is a great achievement.

Ian Storey (Tristan) is an English singer working on the continent who was suddenly catapulted into the role of Tristan (he had never seen the opera) at La Scala in one of the most important productions of recent years, learning the role in an incredibly short period. The result is a very impressive performance, although up until the Act 11 Love duet it feels somewhat a work in progress, however from then on he finds his feet and all is fine.

Waltaud Meier is at the top of her game, and with Matti Salinen as King Marke and a fine Kuwenal in Gerd Grochkowski, and a very attentive Brangane of Michelle De Young the vocal side is excellent.

The staging comprises a towering wall at the back of the stage with large doors, and props moving in and out as necessary, this works exceptionally well.

The well recorded La Scala orchestra under Barenboim is superb.

The only reservation I have is the staging of Act 111 requires constant switching between wide angle and close up filming without transitional effects, however as zooming or wiping would have quickly become even more irritating this seems the only solution.

The thunderous applause that never seems to end after Act 111 says it all.

BUY!

Outstanding performance
The thunderous applause after each act shows the audience's enthralled reception. And I would have been the same had I been lucky enough to be there when this performance was recorded at La Scala. Waltraud Meier's highly regarded reputation in this role precedes her and it's well deserved. She lives up to it and more. As does Barenboim's spot on conducting and interpretation. The orchestra is amazing. The revelation for me, however, is Ian Storey's heroic Tristan. Considering this was his debut in the role, I am amazed by that and the maturity he brings to the Tristan. Acting by the other lead roles are convincing and the staging although stark, is quite impressive. I would have preferred something more faithful to Wagner's directions. That's why I gave 4 stars instead of 5. The libretto is so full of symbolism and philosophical aspects of the story that a sparse staging does not help in my opinion.

The subtitles are excellent, and they are very unobtrusive.

La Scala's audience is so well behaved during the performances, that you forget this is a DVD of a live performance. The filming angles and lighting is excellent. The sound quality is top notch.

A true model of how good Opera DVDs should be.

splendid production
This is a great, if rather static, opera. The production is splendid and the accompaniment great, though it would benefit from some accompanying subtitles.