Ludwig Van Beethoven: Fidelio

Actors:
Florestan... René Kollo
Leonore... Gundula Janowitz
Don Fernando... Hans Helm
Don Pizarro... Hans Sotin
Rocco... Manfred Jungwirth

Conductor: Leonard Bernstein

Stage Director: Otto Schenk

Bernstein conducts with all his heart -- and with the occasional eccentricities as regards tempo that went with the package. By '78 Bernstein was God in Vienna and receives here an . . . effusive welcome at start and finish . . . The Vienna Philharmonic play superbly for a conductor they had come to love. Otto Schenk's staging remains a marvel of sensible action, pertinent handling of the singers and clarity of action -- no updating, no silly ideas, just straightforward, unobtrusive direction . . . René Kollo sings with strength and conviction as Florestan, and acts effectively . . . Manfred Jungwirth's stalwart Rocco is involved and involving . . . Sound and video direction (by Schenk himself) are both excellent.

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