Franz Lehar breathed new life into a fading genre with his tuneful confection Die Lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow)—a “modern” piece with its lively war between the sexes and carefree moral code—which opened in Vienna in 1905 to instant success (and, shortly thereafter, international acclaim). This version, updated to reflect a new century's sensibilities, offers a fitting centennial celebration of a repertoire favorite, while keeping the story the same. Baron Mirko Zeta, an ambassador from the impoverished state of Pontevedro, hopes to keep the fortune of wealthy widow Hanna Glawari in the national treasury by marrying her off to his attaché, Count Danilo Danilowitsch. But Hanna has other ideas and fancies someone else. Of course, all ends well after many farcical assignations and even more classic musical moments. This smart and sassy production, recorded live at the Semperoper Dresden in 2007, boasts a clever and colorful set (featuring a painting with graphic frontal nudity), wonderful choreographic elements, and imaginative modern costuming (with partial nudity). Directed by Jérôme Savary and performed by Gunther Emmerlich as Zeta, Petra-Maria Schnitzer as Hanna, Lydia Teuscher as Valencienne (Zeta's wife) and Bo Skovhus as Danilo, performing with the Staatsopernchor Dresden and the Sächsiche Staatskapelle Dresden under Manfred Honeck, this is a spirited and enjoyable rendition. Presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)
Die Lustige Witwe
(2007) 145 min. In German w/English subtitles. DVD: $32.98. EuroArts (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 23, Issue 6
Die Lustige Witwe
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