I cannot fathom a better version of this opera. Christine Schaffer is sublimely adorable as Gretel and the brother role fits perfectly. The staging is the nec plus ultra in my humble opinion.
Some of the most enchantingly beautiful music ever composed can be found in Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel. I have always championed it as a great masterpiece. The prayer here couldn't be more beautifully sung, and the dream sequence that follows it, glorious. I get choked up every time.
I'm envious. Any chance that you could upload the HD video to UA-cam? Question for you -- Do you know who sung/played the role of Sand Man in this production? I'd like to give her credit.
Sorry, I was wrong about the Sandman. She is played by Sasha Cooke. Lisette Oropesa played the Dew Fairy. BTW, you can download this entire video on iTunes (search under Music, not Movies). I bought it in HD version the other day for $19.99 and am watching it now. Amazing! (And no, I cannot and will not upload the HD video; it is illegal and my account would be revoked.)
The complete performance of this fairy-tale opera is available from iTunes. For a few dollars you can rent it or buy it for viewing on an iDevice. On my iPhone, it can be obtained in an app called 'TV', which came with the phone. If you watch the entire performance, you can then judge for yourself its merits. All varieties of Hansel and Gretel, from the original story to the modern motion pictures, fall within the broad spectrum of art. Different aspects will appeal to different people. This is as it should be. If you like it, then enjoy it. If you don't, then feel free to ignore it. The choice is yours.
The conductor of the overture section is Robin Ticcati. I don't know the orchestra. The conductor for the opera sections is Vladimir Jurowski with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
I had the great fortune, the blessing to attend this show. What an amazing treat for the soul. We humans sure know how to be creative.
I cannot fathom a better version of this opera. Christine Schaffer is sublimely adorable as Gretel and the brother role fits perfectly. The staging is the nec plus ultra in my humble opinion.
Some of the most enchantingly beautiful music ever composed can be found in Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel. I have always championed it as a great masterpiece. The prayer here couldn't be more beautifully sung, and the dream sequence that follows it, glorious. I get choked up every time.
The staging is so dreamy and imaginative. I watch this clip very often.
Why oh why did the MET abandon the glorious production that preceded this monstrosity? !
I saw this version long ago and have been looking for it for a long time.. Finally found it
Thank you for this video. It’s a special production, have seen it in HD video and live at the Met.
I'm envious. Any chance that you could upload the HD video to UA-cam? Question for you -- Do you know who sung/played the role of Sand Man in this production? I'd like to give her credit.
She is soprano Lisette Oropesa.
Sorry, I was wrong about the Sandman. She is played by Sasha Cooke. Lisette Oropesa played the Dew Fairy. BTW, you can download this entire video on iTunes (search under Music, not Movies). I bought it in HD version the other day for $19.99 and am watching it now. Amazing! (And no, I cannot and will not upload the HD video; it is illegal and my account would be revoked.)
Thank you for sharing! It's absolutely wonderful!
Beautiful rendition of this opera. I could not get this theme out of my head for days. In a great way.
By accident, almost, I attended the opening performance, from the front row, winter 2007. Utterly bewitching beautiful and unforgotten
The complete performance of this fairy-tale opera is available from iTunes. For a few dollars you can rent it or buy it for viewing on an iDevice. On my iPhone, it can be obtained in an app called 'TV', which came with the phone.
If you watch the entire performance, you can then judge for yourself its merits. All varieties of Hansel and Gretel, from the original story to the modern motion pictures, fall within the broad spectrum of art. Different aspects will appeal to different people. This is as it should be. If you like it, then enjoy it. If you don't, then feel free to ignore it. The choice is yours.
I've been trying to see this for years I pray it will come back to the MET! Detroit Mamma
i was fortunate enough to attend this performance, though i prefer the 1982 production
Was that the Fassbaender Gruberova or the one with Frederika von Stade?
The slow exit of the Sandman was a genius part of the scene.
I couldn't agree more, Burt. I've never wanted to watch Evening Prayer without Sandman first.
It is truly beautiful how it works
The cooks in the dream sequence look like the oompa loompa's!!
The most creepy sandman scene I ever saw. Great moment!!!
In love. Just in love!
looks like the Fish-Footman from Alice in Wonderland.
geniale Aufführung
This is wonderful! Who is the conductor? Odd that he is not listed here!
The conductor of the overture section is Robin Ticcati. I don't know the orchestra.
The conductor for the opera sections is Vladimir Jurowski with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Richard jones, et al make a travesty of this divine fairy tale---its such a mish mash--
When you write the wrong comment.
I agree.
God, I hate this production. All the sweetness of childhood has been replaced with cynical deconstruction. Phooey.