Wagner: Lohengrin
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DVD Cover Information Brand: Universal Studios Composer: Richard Wagner DVD: Region Code 1 Audio: English (Unknown); German (Subtitled); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language); French (Original Language); Spanish (Original Language) Format: Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC Picture Format: 1.33:1 Running Time: 214 minutes DVD Release Date: 2008-04-08 Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Studio: Deutsche Grammophon |
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Movie Reviews of Wagner: Lohengrin
Movie Review: beautiful but badly flawed
Summary: 2 Stars
I had seen a scene from the second act on YouTube and was stunned at how beautiful and realistic the production was, so I purchased this dvd. There were some amazingly beautiful touches in this production. Sets, costumes, colors. Also, some very fine performances by Studer and Schnaut most notably.
I was enjoying this UNTIL the very ending, which nearly, for me discredits the entire production. The ending of Lohengrin is unique in that we have both overwhelming happiness and sadness. When I say "overwhelming" - when done right, it is. And as it IS so unique, the effect on the viewer is too. Overwhelming happiness at the return of Elsa's brother and the triumph of "good over evil" - and overwhelming sadness as Elsa, upon discovering Lohengrin's departure, falling "life-less." (One small mystery that I have debated is whether Elsa merely faints or dies.) In any case, Ortrud is basically "evil incarnate" as she, with selfish and malicious motives is the cause of every problem in the story. HOW COULD the director obscure the very essense of the story at the end of this production? In this production after Lohengrin's departure, Elsa and Ortrud are seen "reaching out" to each other. huh?? HUH???? I was VERY disappointed, after having enjoyed the performance up to this point to witness such strangeness. The effect Wagner surely wanted is NOT here.
I would urge everyone who likes this opera to see the Met's production with Eva Marton and Peter Hoffman. THERE IS NO COMPARISON. I can tell you that you will be "overwhelmed" by how powerful the ending SHOULD be. Directors who distort the stories of operas are MISREPRESENTING great art. This is a RAMPANT problem in the world of opera. While on the sympohony orchestra stage, intellects are striving for authenticity, in the world of opera, great artists are participating in FALSE representations of some of the greatest works of art ever. One would not tolerate a mustache on the Mona Lisa. Opera lovers should INSIST on authenticity and respect to at least the ESSENSE of the operas themselves.