The spectacular opening production of London’s newly restored Royal Opera House, first broadcast live on BBC television in December 1999, brings a riot of colour to Verdi’s great Shakespearean masterpiece. Bryn Terfel as Sir John Falstaff and Barbara Frittoli as Alice Ford lead a star cast with the Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera House under the direction of Bernard Haitink, in a spectacular new production by Graham Vick.

Bryn Terfel, Roberto Frontali, Kenneth Tarver, Robin Legatte, Peter Hoare, Barbara Frittoli
Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera House / Bernard Haitink
Stage Director Graham Vick

TV Director: Humphrey Burton

Plus


Meet the backstage crew in a fascinating 10-minute tour of the behind-the-scenes workings of the Royal Opera House, as they prepare for this opening gala performance
Stage Director Graham Vick on his Production of Falstaff
Illustrated synopsis of the opera, presented by James Naughtie
Bryn Terfel talks to Eamonn Holmes
24 page illustrated booklet with synopsis and biographies in English, French and German


Reviews
‘…deliciously comic production…vividly filmed…The singers are on top form, dominated by Terfel’s Falstaff…’
Musical Opinion

‘...a true joy to the eye as Bryn Terfel dazzles us with stature, voice and gesture...’
Diapason (Translation)

‘…an excellent DVD of the wonderful Verdi Falstaff… Haitink's reading allows us to fully appreciate Verdi's brilliant ensemble writing and amply demonstrates why Falstaff has been called the composer's greatest masterpiece. It is doubtful we'll see a better Falstaff in our lifetime.’
La Scena Musicale

‘…compact disc quality sound and pin sharp pictures. It’s a delightful performance with a top notch supporting cast…’
Birmingham Evening Mail

Awards & Accolades:
R10 Classica Repertoire (October 2007)


CAT NO: OA 0823 D
FORMAT: NTSC
REGIONS: All Regions
PICTURE FORMAT: 16:9
LENGTH: 157 MINS
SOUND: DOLBY SURROUND
SUBTITLES: EN
RELEASED: 01/09/2001
NO OF DISCS: 1