Death in Venice

[Mary Chambers]

Is there definitely going to be a DVD? That would be wonderful. I saw this production a while ago with Ian Bostridge, whose singing I couldn't fault, but as someone put it he is 'not a natural stage animal'. It's an almost perfect production, though.

The difficulty with DinV is usually the casting of Tadzio. Really difficult to get right.

[VodkaDilc]

Is there definitely going to be a DVD? That would be wonderful. I saw this production a while ago with Ian Bostridge, whose singing I couldn't fault, but as someone put it he is 'not a natural stage animal'. It's an almost perfect production, though.

The difficulty with DinV is usually the casting of Tadzio. Really difficult to get right.

There's a full and thorough examination of the problems of casting Tadzio in the review mentioned by Il Grande Inquisitor.

The same review has the following provocative remark about Death in Venice:

The score may well be the runt of Britten’s litter – far, far more so than the unfairly denigrated, amazingly rich Gloriana – but at least nobody has told the ENO’s musicians.

Surely not!!

I agree that Gloriana is unfairly denigrated (having seen it last week), but see D in V as one of Britten's triumphs. If there is a 'runt', then, for me, it's Lucretia - though that could just be because it's the opera I know least.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

... but [I] see D in V as one of Britten's triumphs.

The more I hear DiV, the greater the effect it has on me - only Grimes rivals it in my affections and admiration. I love Lucretia, too - the first of Britten's operas I ever heard (the MfP release of the extended excerpts conducted by Goodall). Albert Herring and Owen Wingrave don't appeal to me very much - but Britten's "runts" are what would be considered "Best in Show" by most of his contemporaries.

[Mary Chambers]

I agree that Gloriana is unfairly denigrated (having seen it last week), but see D in V as one of Britten's triumphs. If there is a 'runt', then, for me, it's Lucretia - though that could just be because it's the opera I know least.

For me, the 'runt', if there is one, is Owen Wingrave. Absolutely agree with you about Gloriana and D in V. The latter seems to me to be one of the most profound works he ever wrote, though not, perhaps, what many expect opera to be. I also think it might be quite hard for anyone young to appreciate it fully - though when I come to think of it I wasn't very old when I first heard it, and 1 certainly thought I appreciated it. It's just that I appreciate it more now.

[Nick Armstrong]

Is there definitely going to be a DVD? That would be wonderful.

It's out Mary - from Opus Arte. Both on DVD http://www.amazon.co.uk/Britten-Deat...eath+in+venice

... and Hi Definition Blu-Ray http://www.amazon.co.uk/Britten-Veni...eath+in+venice

One of the latter is on its way in this direction

[Mary Chambers]

Thank you, Caliban. It's on my list.

[Flosshilde]

It's out Mary - from Opus Arte. Both on DVD http://www.amazon.co.uk/Britten-Deat...eath+in+venice

If it's Opus Arte presumably it has nothing to do with the Dirty Digger, & Ams can buy it with a clear conscience? (& not be accused of hypocrisy by one of our resident hornists)

[Black Swan]

It's out Mary - from Opus Arte. Both on DVD http://www.amazon.co.uk/Britten-Deat...eath+in+venice

... and Hi Definition Blu-Ray http://www.amazon.co.uk/Britten-Veni...eath+in+venice

One of the latter is on its way in this direction

Thanks for the update Cali. I have been looking for a performance of Death in Venice on Blue-ray or DVD. As with you one of the Hi Definition Blue-rays is on its way to me.

J

[amateur51]

If it's Opus Arte presumably it has nothing to do with the Dirty Digger, & Ams can buy it with a clear conscience? (& not be accused of hypocrisy by one of our resident hornists)

Triffic! Cheers Flossie!

[Flosshilde]

I'm only assuming it has nothing to do with him - perhaps you'd better check

Ah - it's owned by the Royal Opera, & as far as I know the DD hasn't got his grubby mits on that - yet.

[bluestateprommer]

Thread revival, for those who want to see (or watch again) the 2013 ENO Death in Venice:

https://operavision.eu/en/library/performances/operas/death-venice-english-national-opera

Haven't yet seen it (need to watch other videos before their access expires), but this one is definitely on my list.