Richard Wagner - Tristan und Isolde / Charbonnet, Forbis, Fujimura, Dohmen, Reiter, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Jordan, Py (Grand Theatre de Geneve 2005)
by Andy Sommer, Olivier Py
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Albert Dohmen, Armin Jordan, Clifton Forbis, Jeanne-Michele Charbonnet, Mihoko FujimuraDirector: Andy Sommer, Olivier Py
Conductor: Armin Jordan
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Subtitled); German (Subtitled); German (Original Language); French (Original Language); English (Original Language); Spanish (Original Language)
Format: Classical, Digital Sound, Import, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 274 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-08-08
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Bel Air Classiques
Movie Reviews of Richard Wagner - Tristan und Isolde / Charbonnet, Forbis, Fujimura, Dohmen, Reiter, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Jordan, Py (Grand Theatre de Geneve 2005)
Movie Review: A truly original Tristan a wonderful experience
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't say how much I disagree with the two previous American 'critics' who enjoy pooh-poohing this very fine DVD production. Probably they like the others better. Do they prefer the Bayerishe Staatsoper's effort with the cocktails in the first act and the couch-flipping Tristan in the 2nd act or perhaps the literally unwatchable Met production ? The famous Barenboim from Bayreuth videotape dating from 80'-s is, of course, discontinued but that was was my favorite up to now.This new one with its totally up to date sound and picture quality must take precedence.
It might help if these 'critics' would concentrate on the positive aspects that do not seem to matter to them. This is a truly creative and original concept of stage design and lighting making this production unique.French director Olivier Py's total commitment is manifest everywhere down to the last detail. The colour change from realistic to infrared photography at the love potion scene, with emphasis on hands touching each other, is magical. In the Love Duet, the concept of interconnecting rooms (achieved by a revolving stage) with abrupt lighting changes gives new meaning to the text. The 3rd act set is incredible with its flooded stage, a `watery world' representing a continuum of life and death. Isolde's rise to `heaven' is a finale unlikely to be forgotten.
But I do agree about some aspects of the videography with too many changes and unnecessary tilting angles. It's unfortunate that everyone wants to be noticed and be a 'star'.
To knock Armin Jordan, an accomplished Wagnerian, who controls the score masterfully and never lets the tension sag is simply unforgiveable. Conducting with minimal movements his is a passionate performance of great insight with almost Furtwanglerian intuition.Those who think otherwise, might look at his magnificent Parsifal production, probably the best Parsifal ever.
American dramatic soprano, Jeanne- Michele Charbonnet has risen to fame just recently and her magnificent voice, passionate acting and thorough understanding of the role of Isolde makes her superior to the rest of the cast. Clifton Forbis, a strong heldentenor, is a deeply suffering, sensitive Tristan who copes very well with this most difficult and strenuous of roles, though his voice seems to weaken in the last act. Mihoko Fujimura's intense and insightful Brangaene is memorable, though with less vocal power than might be expected, while Alfred Reiter with his resonant basso injects excitement into Konig Marke's monologue that can be tedious in lesser productions.
All in all, in my opinion, a very fine release. Probably best of currently available versions. I recommend it highly.