Solti conducts Hänsel und Gretel
Opera

Solti conducts Hänsel und Gretel

Wiener Philharmoniker

Performance date: 01/02/1981
Available until: 31/12/2023
109 Min

Many children experience their first encounter with the world of opera with a visit to Engelbert Humperdinck's fairy-tale setting of Hansel and Gretel, which has established itself as a popular classic of the Christmas season. In his masterpiece, the composer combines folksong-like melodies with Wagnerian orchestral grandeur and imaginative characterization. In this affectionate film version directed by August Everding, Brigitte Fassbender and Edita Gruberová prove delightful in the title roles, while Hermann Prey and Helga Dernesch lead the rest of the cast. The Wiener Philharmoniker and George Solti bring all their experience in Wagner to bear in conveying all the glowing colours of Humperdinck's glorious score.

Soloists
Norma Burrowes (Soprano), Helga Dernesch (Mezzo-Soprano), Brigitte Fassbaender (Mezzo-Soprano), Edita Gruberová (Soprano), Elfriede Höbarth (Soprano), Sena Jurinac (Soprano), Hermann Prey (Baritone)
Ensembles
Wiener Philharmoniker, Wiener Sängerknaben
Conductor
Sir Georg Solti