Solti conducts Hänsel und Gretel

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: 

Edita Gruberová (Soprano), Brigitte Fassbaender (Mezzo-Soprano), Helga Dernesch (Mezzo-Soprano), Sena Jurinac (Soprano), Hermann Prey (Baritone), Norma Burrowes (Soprano), Elfriede Höbarth (Soprano)

Ensembles: 

Wiener Philharmoniker, Wiener Sängerknaben

Conductor: 

Sir Georg Solti