22 VII

2 hr. 27 min.

Historic recording from the Vienna State Opera 1974
Conducted by – Herbert von Karajan
Directed by – Jean-Pierre Ponnelle

Star-studded cast: Mirella Freni, Plácido Domingo, Christa Ludwig, Robert Kerns, Michel Sénéchal.
Wiener Staatsoper Orchestra and Chorus

Jean-Pierre Ponnelle (1932-1988) has been called a “weaver of magic,” a “curator of the sublime,” a master of choreography and farce. These are the terms of a reviewer for The Wall Street Journal. Undeniably, Ponnelle was one of the most creative directors of the second half of the 20th century. He was also the first significant opera director. Fortunately for posterity, much of his staging was recorded on film.
In Madama Butterfly, he used the typical means of expression used in film: flashbacks, slow motion and even stream of consciousness.
Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989) was in a class of his own. All the singers in the cast are in the league of masters.
This performance was written for success in advance!

 

 

EVENT UNDER THE HONORARY PATRONAGE OF THE ITALIAN INSTITUTE OF CULTURE IN WARSAW

AS PART OF THE SERIES PUCCINI 100.