Carl Maria von Weber’s 1821 opera was hugely influential, inaugurating the German romanticism that later flourished in Wagner and Richard Strauss, but today it is rarely performed outside German-speaking countries, making Matthias Hartmann’s 2017 production at Milan’s La Scala a notable event. Musically, the result is a mixed bag: the orchestra plays splendidly for Myung-whun Chung, but his emphasis is on tonal loveliness over sheer energy, and while soprano Julia Kleiter sings beautifully as Agathe, the forester’s daughter whose hand many seek, her demeanor is rather static. As Max—the titular marksman seduced into making a pact with the devil to ensure that he will win the shooting contest that will decide the groom—burly Michael König sounds vocally frayed at the start, although he improves as the evening progresses. Both are outclassed by bass Günther Groissböck as Max’s rival, the villainous Kaspar, whose forging of the magic bullets in the famous Wolf’s Glen scene is a highlight, even if the presence of prancing devils here and elsewhere feels faintly ridiculous. And that is but one oddity of Hartmann’s staging, which mixes traditional costumes (including an absurdly oversized bow in the hair of Agathe’s cousin Ännchen, sung well by Eva Liebau) with neon tubes for the outlines of buildings. Finally, there is a curious change of ending, in which Max and Agathe scamper off together although the holy hermit has imposed a year’s penance on Max for consorting with the Evil One. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray release) and PCM stereo, this is an uneven production, albeit one with as many virtues as defects. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)
Der Freischütz
(2017) 135 min. In German w/English subtitles. DVD or Blu-ray: $24.99. Naxos (avail. from most distributors). Volume 34, Issue 5
Der Freischütz
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