Hansel Und Gretel (Blu-ray), Arthaus Musik, Music & Performance

Humperdinck's opera is steeped in the guileless world of folk-song: the children's songs and dances, the idyllic forest scenes, the supernatural material and the central thematic chorale are all rooted in German traditional music. Frank Corsaro's production for Zurich Opera was designed by Maurice Sendak. They have worked together on numerous highly-acclaimed opera stagings, all noted for their striking visual impact. Sendak is renowned world-wide for his classic children's books. His vivid, magical and often disturbing imagery is perfect for the fairy-tale world of Hänsel und Gretel. He expands the Witch's gingerbread cottage into an entire farmyard of sweetmeats, complete with windmill. The house has a life of it's own, with menacing, glowing eyes, which also dominate the stage during the 'Witch's Ride' interlude. This production of Humperdinck's endearing and musically adroit opera will entrance adults and children alike.