Wagner: Tannhäuser (Zurich, 2003)

Cast: Peter Seiffert (Tannhäuser), Solveig Kringleborn (Elisabeth), Roman Trekel (Wolfram), Alfred Muff (Hermann), Isabelle Kabatu (Venus), Jonas Kaufmann (Wolfram), Rolf Haunstein (Biterolf), Martin Zysset (Heinrich), Guido Götzen (Reinmar); Zürich Chorus and Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst (conductor), Jens-Daniel Herzog (director), Chloé Perlemuter (video director)

Recorded at Opernhaus Zürich in 2003

Issued on DVD by EMI Classics in 2004 [72443 5 99733 9 5, NTSC / all regions, menus in English, subtitles in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish]

Technical details:
Aspect ratio 16:9
Sound PCM stereo, Dolby 5.1, DTS 5.1

Running Time 187 minutes

Sung in German
In every respect except technical accomplishment, this release is a disappointment. The insert, loose between the two DVDs, has no information except cast and chapter divisions. Even the need for two discs is unclear given the total running time. The concept of the performance appears to focus on the psychology of Tannhäuser himself, but Seiffert lacks the sort of appeal to make that approach viable. His singing is adequate (though it shows stress) and his acting effective, but the mechanics of the production and the erratic, incomprehensible video direction leave one aware only of how much work the rôle demands.

Only Seiffert and Trekel sing the text; the other principals variously approach a vocalise. Kringleborn and Muff sound far older than they are, though otherwise the soprano is appealing. Kabatu's German is worst of the lot with barely a consonant to be heard; she is attractive physically, but that is counterbalanced by a complete lack of sensuality in her singing and her movement. Trekel is matter-of-fact, though whether that is his choice or direction cannot be determined; again, there is no sensuality in the voice or performance.

The production is highly stylized. When video direction provides clues, they are incomprehensible. For example, the Venusberg scene features an image of an empty dormitory. One cannot determine where it is on the stage from what one sees. Video direction often seems wantonly disruptive; during a solo, the camera may stroll onto other singers or focus on an instrument of the orchestra.

Welser-Möst leads a surprisingly uninflected performance. The notes are there, but the edge of the music has been lost. The orchestra and chorus are dutiful but subdued. Video is sharp and generally well lighted; audio is admirable though as usual surround offers nothing significant. In all, one is left wondering why this production was deemed worthy of recording, let alone release.
 
Related website:
EMI: www.emiclassics.con/
Michael Richter, 30 December 2004
mrichter@cpl.net
 
See also Michael Richter's Introduction to the DVD, for a list of other reviews see the DVD Project page.