This is the CD of the first version of Leonore, that of 1805 (Hess 109).

The opera was put to music by Beethoven following the libretto by Jean-Nicolas Bouilly "Leonore or marital love". After over 2 years of work, Beethoven presented his opera to the Theater an der Wien on November 20th 1805, a few days after Napolean's army entered Vienna. After just three performances the opera was taken off stage.

Conducted by Herbert BLOMSTEDT.

The principal roles are played by: Edda Moser (Leonore), Richard Cassily (Florestan), Theo Adam (Don Pizzaro), Hermann Christian Polster (Don Fernando) and Karl Ridderbusch (Rocco)...

This CD is the 1806 version of "Leonore or the triumph of marital love". It is therefore the second version. Numerous cuts have been made from the original version, which was judged too long.

A final version appeared in 1814, entitled Fidelio.

Interpreted by Marc Soustrot.

The performances and the performers of Fidelio are numerous.

The harmony between the orchestra, choir, soloists and conductor is perfect.

Here is probably the best version we strongly recommend.

Christa Ludwig (Leonore)
Jon Vickers (Florestan)
Walter Berry (Don Pizarro)
Gottlob Frick (Rocco)
Ingeborg Hallstein (Marzelline)
Gerhard Unger (Jaquino)
Franz Crass (Don Fernando)

Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus

Otto KLEMPERER

In English:
Bruno WALTER (highlights)

In Italian:
Vittorio GUI

“The live recording of the Zurich Opera of the spring of 2004 is an extraordinary document retracing the exceptional work of the team involved together, of a visionary conductor (Nikolaus Harnoncourt) and a discrete but convincing staging (Jürgen Flimm). To be heard in the title role is the excellent Camilla Nylund beside Jonas Kaufmann as Florestan, at the best of his form.” (BMG)

Staging: Jürgen Flimm.

Choir and Orchestra of the Zurich Opera, conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt.

Soloists:

• Camilla Nylund (Leonore)
• Jonas Kaufmann (Florestan)
• Alfred Muff (Don Pizzarro)
• László Pólgár (Rocco)
• Elizabeth Rae Magnuson (Marzelline)
• Christoph Strehl (Jaquino)
• Günther Groissböck (Don Fernando)
• Boguslaw Bidzinski (premier prisonnier)
• Gabriel Bermúdez (second prisonnier).

.Technological information:
Sound: PCM stereo Dolby Digital 5.1 DTS 5.1
Subtitles: French, German, Italian, English and Spanish.

There are a few performances of Fidelio on DVD. But the difference, this version provides us with pleasures and thrills.

The story of Leonore and Florestan is transposed to modern times, in a rich and searching staging.

The execution of the soloists is remarkable and their voices touch the spectator, through their sonorous quality transmitted through your television.

The principle roles are held with spirit by: Karita Mattila (Leonore), Ben Heppner (Florestan), Falk Struckmann (Don Pizzaro) and René Pape (Rocco).

DVD zone 0 (all countries) - sub-titles available - Bonus: small photo gallery.

This CD is certainly remarkable: it quickly introduces Beethoven then attaches a telling of the story of Fidelio, with a number of musical extracts, without patronizing the audience.

The journey is very interesting and forms and excellent first approach to this opera.

It is also perhaps appropriate for connoisseurs, as well as those who don't know Fidelio or are not familiar with opera music.

Written by Thomson Smillie
Narrated by David Timson