Hänsel und Gretel

I have this film on laserdisc and it is brilliant! This is one of several film-opera adaptations made by Unitel during the 1970s with truly outstanding casts. Not only is the soundtrack one of the best recordings ever made of this delightful opera, but the opera singers act for themselves and demonstrate that they can really act these roles. There are quite a few imaginative cinematic special effects that could never be duplicated in an opera performance, and they add to the excitement. The performance is in German but there are subtitles. I have used this film to introduce elementary age students to opera and they have always loved watching/listening to this.

I love classical music and opera, and Hansel und Gretel is no exception. The opera with a timeless story, memorable characters and superb music especially with the beautiful Evening Prayer is a true charmer, and is wonderfully performed not only by the performers but by the orchestra. The orchestra play with real vigour, wit and sensitivity when they need to and Georg Solti does an excellent job with the conducting. The sets, costumes and photography here are wondrous, and the music is unquestionably brilliant as is the story. The performances are uniformly good. Edita Gruberova and Brigitte Fassbaender are wonderful as Gretel and Hansel, while Hermann Prey, while nicely restrained from doing roles like Figaro and the like, puts a lot of energy and heart into the role of their father. Then there is Sena Juranic who is genuinely imposing and terrifying as the witch, and Norma Burrowes who is stunning as the Sandman. In conclusion, wonderful and maintains the charm of the opera. 10/10 Bethany Cox