Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #106020 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-02-10
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Black & White, Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 85 minutes

Amazon.com
For complete enjoyment of an operatic scene or lieder recital, the visual element is almost as important as what you hear; the singer's facial expressions and body language are an essential part of the performance. This disc, compiled from television broadcasts in 1959 and the 1960s, supplies, delightfully, the visual element unfortunately missing in audio recordings of three of the greatest German singers of the 20th century.

Everything on this disc is a treasure. Schwartzkopf is shown in the heart-breaking end of Act I in Der Rosenkavalier; it does not surpass her complete recording of the role with Von Karajan (available on VHS), but complements it with another view of one of her great moments. Seefried is totally charming, with vivid facial expressions and silvery tone, in five songs of Richard Strauss and three of Gustav Mahler. And Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is in his vocal prime for Mahler's Songs of a Wayfarer. A very substantial bonus presents Fischer-Dieskau and pianist Gewrald Moore in four songs of Schubert, including a bone-chilling "Der Erlkönig" that requires the singer to use three contrasting voices. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews

A review from Queensland, Australia.
This DVD is a treasure. Elizabeth Schwarkopf is first heard in a selection from Der Rosenklavier. An arresting, captivating wonderful performance. Irmgard Seefried sings 5 of Strauss's songs, including "Morgen" & "Wiegenlied". Her beautiful voice,vocal technique & dancing eyes bring the songs vividly to life. Dietrich Fischer Dieskau performs 4 Mahler songs & a Bonus of 4 Schubert songs,including "An Die Musik" & "Im Fruhling". To listen & watch these performances is an experience full of joy. The quality of sound & picture is excellent. Subtitles & given text excellent. I am RAPT.

Seefried-- a revelation
This DVD is extraordinary. I am not a fan of Schwarzkopf in general, but there is no denying that the Rosenkavalier excerpt is beautifully done. Every word, every thought is there. About Fischer-Dieskau there is also little that needs to be said; it's as good as you'd expect. For me, though, the revelation on this disc, and the highlight, is Seefried. I have never seen film of her before, and words simply can't quantify how superb she is. Her face is so expressive, especially just BEFORE she sings a line, that each song, no matter how familiar it might be, takes on a sudden new meaning. And yet, though every single line gets this attention, the feeling is one of total spontaneity. I could write much more, but won't, except to say that I've never been a great fan of Seefried's before, and never quite got why she was so beloved. Now I understand why. I'm hooked!

Deliciously Marvellous Dame Elisabeth as Marschallin
Dame Elisabeth's portrayal of the Marschallin in the final 24 minutes of the first act of "Der Rosenkavalier" is absolutely stunning, and, IMO, surpasses even her performance in the color video of this opera with Karajan conducting. The phrase "ob ich in den Prater fahr'" is deliciously sung with an air of Viennese aristocracy. Too bad there is only this excerpt in the DVD, and one wonders how magical the final trio in the 3rd act would be like.

In addition to this, there are performances of Seefried and Fischer-Dieskau singing well-known Strauss, Mahler and Schubert lieder (with orchestra and piano accompaniment)--giving a glimpse into the fine lieder singing of the era.