Wouldn't it be nice to turn on our TV this Christmas & see this title on the screen;
' Amahl & the Night Visitors '
' Amahl & the Night Visitors '
-
-
Yes! - it's been a very long time since a BBC TV production of it. A new version was meant to have been broadcast in 2002 (I think?) but was cancelled because of copyright problems - I suspect someone failed to clear the rights.
At least the 1955 NBC production is on DVD for repeated enjoyment. I don't think the 1951 premiere has been released, though I know film of it survives. -
Makropulos, it was broadcast on BBC2 in 2002 - Zambello directed, shot on location (in Spain, I think). Hickox conducted and Robert Tear was in the cast. I have it on video somewhere and used it to show my class as we studied the Magi aspect of the Christmas story. I really should try and get it transferred to dvd as it was a wonderful film.Our chief weapon is surprise...surprise and fear...fear and surprise.... Our two weapons are fear and surprise...and ruthless efficiency....Comment
-
Ah! Thanks, IGI - I'd love to see it one day. Maybe BBC4 might show it again (always assuming there is a BBC4 to show it on...)Comment
-
Interesting paragraph on Wikipedia about the BBC broadcasts. I think I must have seen the 1955 one (I can remember the room where our television set was!).It isn't given us to know those rare moments when people are wide open and the lightest touch can wither or heal. A moment too late and we can never reach them any more in this world.Comment
-
I've never actually seen Amahl and the Night Visitors, despite having played the oboe in it on a few occasions in the 1970s. It isn't quite he done thing to turn round and watch during the quiet bits - not in the actual performance anyway. After a short 1972 run of performances, my oboe was stolen, and it was another 30-odd years before I found one that was as good.
But to return to topic, yes, it would be good to see a new broadcast.Comment
Comment