Engelbert Humperdinck's fairy tale opera has become a Christmas staple. This 1999 Zurich Opera production—making its Blu-ray debut—benefits from the scenic and costume designs of Maurice Sendak, likely to delight children as much as his book illustrations (kids will especially enjoy the two black cats—dancers in full-body costumes—featured prominently throughout). On the musical side, Franz Welser-Möst conducts an affectionate reading of the charming score, while Liliana Nikiteanu and Malin Hartelius sing and act delightfully as the brother and sister who encounter danger in the woods. The secondary roles, however, are less impressive, with Alfred Muff's voice sounding especially worn as the siblings' father. And some elements in Frank Corsaro's staging—the overuse of the children's chorus in various tableaux and a peculiar juxtaposition between the witch and Hansel and Gretel's mother—are missteps. The weakest aspect here, however, is the questionable decision of assigning the witch's part to a tenor, Volker Vogel, who simply can't handle the role's low notes and tries to compensate by hamming it up beyond belief. So, despite the attractions of Sendak's visual scheme, this can't be preferred to the fine 2008 version from Covent Garden under Colin Davis (VL-1/10). Presented in PCM stereo, this is still a strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)
Hänsel und Gretel
(1999) 105 min. Blu-ray: $39.99. Arthaus Musik (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 30, Issue 2
Hänsel und Gretel
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