Beethoven: Fidelio

Lise Davidsen (Leonore), David Butt Philip (Florestan), Georg Zeppenfeld (Rocco), Simon Neal (Don Pizarro, Amanda Forsythe (Marzelline), Robin Tritschler (Jaquino), Egils Siliņš (Don Fernando)

Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Antonio Pappano, Tobias Kratzer

The production itself is a controversial one…Few complaints about the musical performance, which is distinguished from the point of view of Covent Garden’s chorus and orchestra as well as conductor... — BBC Music Magazine, March 2022, 4 out of 5 stars (Performance) / 5 out of 5 stars (Picture and Sound) More…

Release Date: 21st Jan 2022
Catalogue No: OA1334D
Label: Opus Arte

International Classical Music Awards

2023

Nominated - Video: Opera

Beethoven: Fidelio, Op. 72

Lise Davidsen (Leonore), David Butt Philip (Florestan), Georg Zeppenfeld (Rocco), Simon Neal (Don Pizarro), Amanda Forsythe (Marzelline), Robin Tritschler (Jaquino), Egils Siliņš (Don Fernando), Filipe Manu (First Prisoner), Timothy Dawkins (Second Prisoner), Royal Opera House Covent Garden (opera company), Antonio Pappano (piano)

About
Reviews
Explore

About

Beethoven’s only opera is a masterpiece, an uplifting story of risk and triumph. In this new production, conducted by Antonio Pappano, David Butt Philip plays the political prisoner Florestan, and Lise Davidsen his wife Leonore (disguised as ‘Fidelio’) who daringly sets out to rescue him. Set in strong counterpoint are the ingredients of domestic intrigue, determined love and the cruelty of an oppressive regime.

The music is transcendent throughout with highlights including the famous Act I Quartet, the Prisoners’ Chorus and Florestan’s aria, which conjures hope from the depths of despair. Tobias

Kratzer’s new staging brings together the dark reality of the French Revolutionary ‘Terror’ and our own time to illuminate Fidelio’s inspiring message of shared humanity.

“Tobias Kratzer’s new staging rips Beethoven’s only opera in two to bring contemporary resonance... the singing is superb” (The Guardian)

“… it can hardly be faulted” (The Stage ★★★★)

… the show belongs to the Leonore of Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen, whose rich, effortless sound and easy vocal athleticism (Beethoven is never easy on his singers) shine…” (Culture Whisper ★★★★)

“Pappano’s interpretation makes this much-revised score sound as though it had burst complete from Beethoven’s brow. It is a vital, provocative reading, symphonic in its shape, scope and style…” (The Time Literary Supplement)

Reviews

March 2022

The production itself is a controversial one…Few complaints about the musical performance, which is distinguished from the point of view of Covent Garden’s chorus and orchestra as well as conductor Antonio Pappano, who brings dignity and dynamism to his task. Lise Davidsen makes an ideal Leonore, perfectly matched by the shining tone of her tenor partner.

Beethoven: Fidelio

Contents

Download queue

Beethoven: Fidelio

DVD Video

Other available formats

Contents

Download queue