Orpheus in der Unterwelt
Jacques Offenbach (Composer), Hector-Jonathan Crémieux (Librettist), Ludovic Halévy (Librettist), Götz Friedrich (Librettist, Stage director), Thomas Woitkewitsch (Librettist), Donald Grobe (Performer), Julia Migenes-Johnson (Performer), Mona Seefried (Performer), Hans Beirer (Performer), Astrid Varnay (Performer), George Shirley (Performer), Helmut Lohner (Performer), Janis Martin (Performer), Annabelle Bernard (Performer), Carol Malone (Performer), Peter Maus (Performer), Manfred Röhrl (Performer), Jesús López-Cobos (Conductor), Andreas Reinhardt (Set designer, Costume designer), Walter Hagen-Groll (Contributor), Ivan Sertić (Choreographer), Brian Large (Director), Deutsche Oper Berlin (Performer), Arthaus Musik (Firm) (Distributor)
Orpheus and his wife Eurydice both long for divorce. But Public Opinion is outraged at the idea. Whern Aristaeus, a shepherd, lures Eurydice into a cornfield, she is bitten by a snake left there by Orpheus to eliminate his rival. But the outcome suits all parties: Aristaeus is in reality Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, who now has Eurydice in his grasp; and Orpheus has found a solution to the problem of his wife. But Public Opinion demands that Orpheus consult Jupiter, the Father of the Gods, about securing the return of his wife. The sleeping gods are suddenly awoken by Diana, who is looking for her lover Actaeon. Jupiter confesses he has turned him into a stag. Public Opinion demands justice for Orpheus. When Pluto defends his actions and attempts to bribe the gods with an array of delicious food, Jupiter decides to pay a visit to Hades. So with Orpheus and Public Opinion in tow, the entire array of gods sets off for the underworld. Stewing in her prison, Eurydice ignores the consolation by John (Hans) Styx, who dreams of his earlier life as Prince of Arcadia. Under police escott and promoting Cupid's kissing campaign, the gods arrive at the gates of Hades. Jupiter metamorphoses into a fly with the aim of seeking out Eurydice's hiding place. But the attempt to kidnap Eurydice and bring her back to Olympus backfires, as Jupiter's heavenly minuet is challenged by Pluto's hellishly irresistible can-can. A divine tribunal determines that Eurydice must be returned to Olympus and that in keeping with the legend he must not turn around along the way. But a loud bang startles Orpheus and -- also in keeping with the legend -- he breaks the pledge. As Jupiter and Pluto argue over Euridice, she asserts her wish to be owned by no one and instead enjoy her own freedom -- a decision ultimately cheered by all
DVD Video, German, 2013
Arthaus, [Halle/Saale], 2013