The Music Pages | October 2008


	Cat. No.: 073 4407 Barcode: 0044007344071 Label: DG 2DVD Release Date: October			Bernard Haitink \| WAGNER: Parsifal ARTISTS *Kundry:* Yvonne Naef *Parsifal:* Christopher Ventris *Amfortas:* Michael Volle *Gurnemanz:* Matti Salminen Chor und Orchester der Oper Zürich Bernard Haitink TRACK LISTING RICHARD WAGNER: Parsifal DVD 1: Act 1 DVD 2: Act 2; Act 3 This production of Parsifal was recorded live at the Zurich Opera House in March 2007. It was hailed by the press as one of the finest Wagner performances in recent years, thanks in part to Bernard Haitink’s gripping presence in the pit. The production by Hans Hollmann is austere in conception; Hans Hoffer’s understated designs using geometric shapes and blocks of colour to emphasise the juxtapositions at the heart of Wagner’s mystical opera – light versus darkness, good versus evil. The effect is beautiful and simple, focussing attention on the music. The excellent international cast of leading Wagnerian singers is headed by Christopher Ventris in the title role and also features Yvonne Naef as a sensuous Kundry and Matti Salminen who was highly acclaimed by the press for his powerful, touching portrayal of the ageing Gurnemanz. RETURN TO THE TOP

	Cat. No.: 074 3303 Barcode: 0044007433034 Label: DG 2DVD Release Date: October			Carlos Acosta; THE Bolshoi BALLET \| KHACHATURIAN: Spartacus ARTISTS Carlos Acosta The Bolshoi Ballet The world's greatest male dancer, Carlos Acosta, dances the greatest male ballet lead Spartacus, in Grigorovich's famous Soviet ballet, created for the Bolshoi to Khachaturian's famous score. Following sensational performances in Moscow and London in 2007, the Bolshoi's production was re-staged and filmed in January 2008 in the Paris Opera's Palais Garnier, especially for Carlos. Captured in HD widescreen, this is the first major DVD/video of Spartacus since the Bolshoi's own performances from the 70s. This is the first DVD marking the signing of Carlos Acosta to the Decca label as an exclusive artist, and the next DVD release is expected to be the Royal Ballet's production of Romeo & Juliet, starring Acosta and Tamara Rojo. Extras: The DVD will also include a 30 min extra film, featuring interviews with Carlos and choreographer Yuri Grigorovich. RETURN TO THE TOP