Beethoven Fidelio

The story

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.

Cast

G Gundula JanowitzLeonora R René KolloFlorestan M Manfred JungwirthRocco H Hans SotinDon Pizarro L Lucia PoppMarzelline A Adolf DallapozzaJaquino H Hans HelmFernando K Karl Terkal1er Gefangener A Alfred Šramek2e Gefangener L Leonard BernsteinConductor O Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper