Reviews Written by John L.

"a special secret"

Pros: beautiful music, singing, acting, and staging

Cons: I wish it had been in German, (but that's just me)

Hansel and Gretel is not just something to file away in the "Just For Kids Department."
The music is wonderful, and this production adds lovely sets, ideally-suited singers, and the Metropolitan Opera's technology, which enables angels to fly, and a magic witch's gingerbread house to appear on stage.

This production does not disappoint in any way; it surprises you with the attention to detail, and the fact that you have too long neglected the beautiful music in this little gem. Buy it, and you'll feel that you're in on a special little secret that you'll want to share with your friends. ...

"Another View on Mozart's Abduction"

Pros: a new perspective, well-sung, well-acted

Cons: traditionalists may not approve

This performance of Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio was recorded in 1997 by the Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg.
Some viewers may be put off a bit by the barbed wire coils protecting the seraglio, or by the jeans and casual modern dress, but this production does give a different perspective on Mozart's original work. It's a modern, more Middle-Eastern version, where Pasha Selim reads in Arabic to his harem, and girls of the harem almost stage a "women's rights protest." That said, don't let it spoil it for you. There's a lot of great singing, staging, and spirited acting in this production. There is also a nice touch in the way the aria, "Marten alle Arten," is preceded by four musicians on stage, who each introduce on their instrument the theme of the aria. It's really not obtrusive, and it adds appeal to the performance. This Pasha Selim is perhaps the most pleasant, understanding, and likeable pasha ever--makes the viewer better understand Constanze's dilemma of her loyalty to her boyfriend, but also her admiration for her understanding captor. You will absolutely be delighted by the parallel theme of Blonde and Osmin, especially when she playfully "helps" him with his bath. Don't let the idea that this performance is not purely tradtional put you off. It just emphasizes a different perspective. It's well-done, well-sung, and it's fun! (If you insist on a more traditional version, try "Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail" conducted by Karl Bohm, or "The Abduction from the Seraglio" conducted by Zubin Mehta.) Or try all three. Your friends are not all exactly the same, so why should you think there is just one "correct" performance of Mozart? ...

"Gruberova makes it!"

Pros: great singing, no "cute tricks;" just a great traditional performance

Cons: none noticed

This Abduction from the Seraglio has some of the best singing ever recorded for this opera. Edita Gruberova hits all the notes, with amazing breath control and emotion. Franciso Araiza sings Belmonte with a sweetness of voice which few others can equal.

This production is sung in German, with subtitles in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Chinese.

It's very faithful to Mozart, and with Gruberova, gives you the chance to see a real prima donna at her best singing and stage presence. Gruberova makes this a performance which we are grateful has been recorded for all to appreciate forever. ...

"It's simply delightful!"

Pros: great singing, great acting, great set

Cons: I wish they had included German subtitles too

If I could have only one version of Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio, this is the one I'd choose.
The entire production is a joy to watch: the singers sing beautifully, with good acting to boot. The costumes and sets are colorful, bright, and appropriate.

Blonde and Osmin show a delightful playfulness; they sing incredibly well, and maintain a sense of humor. It was really hard to keep them from stealing the show.

Frankly, I did not expect it to be this good. I've seen Metropolitan Opera performances, so I expected this to be a smaller budget, chamber-version, but I was dead wrong! Zubin Mehta and the entire cast, as well as the costume-designers and stage decorators, have made this my very favorite Abduction.

Traditionally, "a first opera," or opera to introduce people to the world of opera, is one such as "Hansel and Gretel" or "The Magic Flute." But this Abduction is so well-done, well-sung and well-acted, that I think it would win over beginners to the world of opera. It's simply delightful! ...

Tosca: Metropolitan Opera (1985)

Die Walkure