Nikolaus Harnoncourt conducts Monteverdi's Orfeo

The Zurich Opera's Monteverdi cycle in the mid-1970s caused a sensation, setting a new standard for how period instruments could be used to bring early music to the stage. Nikolaus Harnoncourt established himself as an important opera conductor, and his favourite director of many years, Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, proved how modern and fresh the works of the first great opera composer in music history can be. Orfeo, which tells the tragic story of the mythical singer who enchants the spirits of the underworld, kicked things off. This film offers the chance to relive this revolutionary moment in the history of modern musical theatre.

Soloists: 

Suzanne Calabro (Mezzo-Soprano), Hans Franzen (Bass), Werner Grosche (Bass), Roland Hermann (Tenor), Philippe Huttenlocher (Baritone), Glenys Linos (Mezzo-Soprano), Trudeliese Schmidt (Mezzo-Soprano), Dietlinde Turban (Actor/Singer), Rachel Yakar (Soprano)

Ensembles: 

Monteverdi Ensemble des Opernhauses Zürich, Chor des Opernhauses Zürich

Conductor: 

Nikolaus Harnoncourt