Revered as a masterpiece of 20th-century opera and prime example of the expressive possibilities of 12-tone serial composition, Lulu's score may not be as readily accessible to the untrained ear, but when fused with a strong storyline and striking visual appeal, the result is a compelling theater piece. Lulu is literally a femme fatale: her cuckolded husband succumbs to a heart attack, her next one commits suicide, and her evil mentor dies at her hand. At this point Berg ended his work, resolving it with a symphonic suite, in which Lulu's pursuit of the louche life ends in the murder of her and her lesbian lover at the hands of Jack the Ripper. Eventually completed by Friedrich Cerha (in a version which has become the standard), the Zurich Opera here reverts to the original Berg conception and--aided by an imaginative and evocative set, smartly decadent costuming, and a fine cast--produce a work of riveting, dramatic power that has a strong psychological component mining the depths of Lulu's childhood experience. Laura Akin is physically and vocally agile in the title role, while Alfred Muff as Dr. Schön, Steve Davislim as the Painter, and Peter Straka as Alwa, ably round out the principal roles, supported by Franz Welser-Möst and the Zurich Opera orchestra. Presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM stereo, the DVD also includes a valuable half-hour-plus “making-of” documentary. While the Glyndebourne production, which adheres to the Cerha-enhanced version, is considered the definitive interpretation, it is important to see this work in the original, unfinished form in which it premiered. Essential for serious music collections, this is highly recommended for others. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)
Lulu
(2002) 130 min. In German w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.99 (booklet included). TDK (dist. by Naxos of America). Color cover. Volume 19, Issue 5
Lulu
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