The internationally renowned Mozart interpreter Sir Colin Davis conducts the chorus and orchestra of the Royal Opera House and a glittering cast in David McVicar’s 2003 production of the opera Mozart wrote in the final year of his life. Recorded live in High Definition at Covent Garden and starring Simon Keenlyside, Dorothea Roschmann, Will Hartmann, Diana Damrou and Franz-Josef Selig.

Simon Keenlyside, Dorothea Roschmann, Will Hartmann, Diana Damrou, Franz-Josef Selig,
Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Colin Davis
Stage Director David McVicar



Plus


Illustrated synopsis of the opera.
BBC feature looks behind the scenes at this production.
Conductor Sir Colin Davis talks about Die Zauberflöte.
24 page illustrated booklet in English, French and German.


Reviews
‘It is easy to underestimate the success of the ROH “Die Zauberflote”, so readily did the comedy flow in David McVicar’s sensitive production under Colin Davis’s benign direction. [Simon Keenlyside was] a triumph as quite the most engaging Papageno I have encountered, while the Tamino and Pamina of the German pair Will Hartmann and Dorothea Roschmann were stylish and musically satisfying …an evening no Mozart lover should miss’
The Mail on Sunday

‘The Magic Flute in the 2003 Covent Garden production has an excellent cast… The acting, particularly Simon Keenlyside’s Papageno, is admirable and the extra dialogue on DVD adds to the roundedness of the characters. Sir Colin Davis is a wonderful Mozartian and for less than a quarter of the price of a decent seat this set makes the most sublime pantomime of all for Christmas.’
Classical Record Review

‘... the character of Papageno (Simon Keenlyside) is particularly well treated - a poacher who is simple in spirit but still extremely comic and moving. Pamina, played by Dorothea Roschmann is also excellent...’
Repertoire Magazine (Translation)

‘Beautifully filmed and recorded…’
International Record Review

‘…a must have.’
BBC Music Magazine

‘This production’s slow journey from darkness into the light…works well on the small screen, not least thanks to high-definition camera work and Sue Judd’s inspired direction for television. The real magic, though, is supplied by the onstage cast and intensified by Colin Davis in the pit.’
Classic fM Magazine

CAT NO: OA 0886 D
FORMAT: NTSC
REGIONS: All Regions
PICTURE FORMAT: 16:9
LENGTH: 185 MINS
SOUND: DOLBY SURROUND / DOLBY STEREO
SUBTITLES: EN/ES
RELEASED: 01/09/2003
NO OF DISCS: 1