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Jonas Kaufmann y Lise Davidsen protagonizan la gran y única ópera de Beethoven. En el 250 aniversario del nacimiento de Ludwig van Beethoven, Antonio Pappano dirige la gran obra maestra del compositor, una estremecedora historia de peligro y triunfos. En esta nueva producción Jonas Kaufmann interpreta el papel del prisionero político Florestan, mientras que Lise Davidsen encarna a su mujer Leonora (disfrazada de Fidelio) que intrépidamente trata de rescatarlo. Como contrapunto encontramos una historia de intriga marcada por el amor y la crueldad de un régimen opresivo. La música es determinante en la obra e incluye el famoso cuarteto en el primer acto y el coro de prisioneros en el segundo acto, que transmiten un sentimiento de oscuridad, de falta de esperanza. La nueva puesta en escena de Tobías Kratzer nos introduce en la cruda realidad de la Revolución Francesa y a través de Fidelio, en base a la máxima de la Ilustración, nos traslada su mensaje universal.
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Translucence, transparency – warmth’ are the qualities identified by Bernard Haitink as necessary for an ideal sound performance of Beethoven's only opera, and all are present in this fantastic recording of Katharina Thalbach's 2008 production for Opernhaus Zurich. Haitink conducts the Zurich Opera Orchestra in a magnificent performance in which Leonore Overture No. 3 provides an interlude between the two scenes of the second act, following a tradition started by Gustav Mahler. German soprano Melanie Diener, in the role of Leonore, leads a brilliant cast including Alfred Muff as Rocco, Roberto Saccà as Florestan, Sandra Trattnigg as Marzelline and Christoph Strehl as Jaquino. This High Definition recording with true surround sound marks the start of the exciting collaboration between Opus Arte and Opernhaus Zurich.
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When Act 2 of Fidelio is being poured out in the most glorious tones imaginable from Mattila, Heppner and Pape - who can possibly complain? Who would honestly want to replace any of them? Who can fail to be overwhelmed with gratitude to own this disc? If I continue to count our blessings, I might mention the splendid Robert Lloyd drawing us to a thrilling finale as Don Fernando; and Falk Struckmann a convincingly evil Pizarro. So it is certainly not complaining, but fulfilling a reviewer's obligation to tell all, when I admit that Jennifer Welch-Babidge is little more than adequate as Marzelline. One might wish for a purer vocal line in this role - like a Bonney or an Isokoski.
