Search - Engelbert [Classical] Humperdinck, Jeffrey Tate, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra :: Engelbert Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel

Magical

S Duncan | London | 09/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very theatrical digital studio recording in AMAZING sound and the singing is more than faultless...it's WONDERFUL. The Sym Orch des Bayerishcen Rundfunks/Jeffrey Tate are superb...SUPERB! The orchestra sounds suitably dreamy, majestic and ...well, plain 'fun' where required. They all sound as though they're having a good time, to put it simply!



Andreas Schmidt's voice is sheer beauty. His role as the father/hunter is full of character and feeling. Needless to say that Hannah Schwartz as the mother doesn't miss a step.



It's Barbara Bonney and Anne Sofie von Otter who steal the show, of course....but there is strong competition from Marjana Lipovsek's superlative witch- we're talking about a rival to Christa Ludwig's legendary performance in the role here! As the mischievous little siblings, Bonney and von Otter are adorable! The singing is simply ravishing and the vocal acting completely convincing. Lipovsek's witch is a treat and what a ride! Amazing!



And to have Barbara Hendricks in the small role of the Sandman!!!! Wow! Both Hendricks and Eva Lind (the Taumann) are suitably ethereal in their roles. Ever just long for sweet-voiced, stunning vocals? Well here you go...just like the witches house, they are full of sweetness!



This is a truly enjoyable opera on every front and it's so musically well structured that it will command respect from even the most 'serious,' hard-nosed opera buffs. HIGHLY recommended."

A beautiful recording - dark, rich and lively.

Vidalia11 | 01/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Captures Humperdinck's almost Wagnerian vision of the Grimm fairy tale, Hansel und Gretel. The voices are wonderful (especially Barbara Bonney, Andreas Schmidt, and Marjana Lipovsek). The orchestra is powerful and marvelously conducted by Jeffrey Tate."

THE BEST THERE IS

L E WILLIS | Salt Lake City, ut United States | 04/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have searched for decades to find a recording of this opera that brought the excitment and essence of what this story is. Although every recording has its merits, there always seemed to be something lacking either in the singers or orchestra. However, I bought this CD without hearing it based upon an indepth review of Hansel and Gretel recordings on Google. It is perfect!



The first notes from the orchestra tells you that Mr. Tate loves this music and feels this music. It comes across as the overature builds to an incredible climax. The best directing of this work ever!



Barbara Bonney is flawless. Her diction is perfect, forward and articulates perfectly. Her light, exquisit voice is perfect for the role. Can there be anyone more perfect for Hansel than Anne-Sofie von Otter? Her voice is very boyish the way it should be. Both voices blend perfectly and their diction is flawless and their tone is not over produced. The witch is so wonderful. Again, her diction is flawless and her interpretation is fun. She comes across overly sweet with that evil touch to her voice. She is true to the music and doesn't miss a note. Her 3D emotion jumps out at you the way it should making this threesome a delight to listen to. It is so good you can almost see it in front of you.



This really is the best recording there is. I am listening the characters come to life instead of opera singers pretending to be characters. This recording is magical, enchanting, just perfect!"