Even the finest singers outgrow signature roles, as viewers will discover in this 2014 Salzburg Festival production of Richard Strauss's 1933 opera (his last collaboration with librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal). A lyrical comedy, Arabella centers on the title character—the older of two sisters in an impoverished family—whose younger sibling, Zdenka, has had to pose as a boy until Arabella can wed a wealthy husband. But although she's ardently wooed by Matteo, the strapping soldier who Zdenka secretly loves, Arabella resists his advances and instead falls for handsome stranger Mandryka, who is equally smitten. But complications arise when Mandryka learns of love letters to Matteo written by Zdenka in Arabella's name, and it's only after this confusion is resolved that the two couples—Arabella and Mandryka, Zdenka and Matteo—can be united. The production boasts fine singing from Hanna-Elisabeth Müller (Zdenka) and Daniel Behle (Matteo), as well as sumptuous orchestral playing by the Staatskapelle Dresden under Christian Thielemann. And the sets and costumes—updated from the 1860s to the early 20th century—are generally attractive. But Renée Fleming looks too old for the part of Arabella and her voice lacks its former richness, while Thomas Hampson's worn baritone is even less suited to Mandryka. Despite lush visuals and clear sound, this is still inferior to the 2012 Wiener Staatsoper version (VL-1/13). Presented in DTS-HD 5.0 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, and DTS 5.1 and PCM stereo on DVD, this is a strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)
Arabella
(2014) 163 min. In German w/English subtitles. DVD: 2 discs, $39.99; Blu-ray: $39.99. C Major (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 30, Issue 1
Arabella
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