Beethoven Fidelio

Beethoven Fidelio 1978 Directed by Otto Schenk

Pretty darn close to having

This production is a gala affair; the sets are traditional (evocative of 18th-19th century Spain); the lighting is bright, so colors are good and one can see all of the action. Singers are generally well chosen and perform admirably. However, at this point, slight reservations creep in; although Janowitz (Fidelio/Leonore) and Kollo (Florestan) look "good" and act well, the singing parts tax them a bit when pushed to the limit. Most of the time that doesn't matter, and an argument can be made that a little vocal strain is in character with their dire plight. Ideally, for me, Vickers as Florestan would have added extra vocal heft and more sensitive acting than Kollo.

Country Germany

Production Country Germany

Language German

Spoken Language German

Gnere Music

Production Company Deutsche Grammophon

Release Date 4 November 1978

147 mins