First conducted in Weimar in 1893 by Richard Strauss, Hänsel und Gretel had immediate worldwide success, and the Hamburg premiere in 1894 was conducted by Gustav Mahler. In its first year, over 50 German theatres staged a production and it has been translated into over 20 languages. In the UK it was the first ever complete opera to be broadcast from Covent Garden back in 1923, and was a staple in the opera repertory until the 1950s where it fell into a black hole. Here Hänsel und Gretel remained until Glyndebourne’s new production in 2008. This recording comes from the re-staging in 2010.

This recording boasts a fine cast, with Alice Coote a seasoned Hänsel, having also performed in the role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Lydia Teuscher making a notable UK debut as Gretel, and with Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke’s beautiful portrayal of the Witch stealing the show.

Robin Ticciati, Glyndebourne’s new Artistic Director from 2013, clearly loves the piece - his conducting is nothing short of wonderful, with the performance from the London Philharmonic Orchestra a real highlight on this recording.

Cast:
- Hänsel: Alice Coote (mezzo-soprano)
- Gretel: Lydia Teuscher (mezzo-soprano)
- Mother: Irmgard Vilsmaier (soprano)
- Father: William Dazeley (baritone)
- Witch: Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke (tenor)
- Sandman: Tara Erraught (mezzo-soprano)
- Dew Fairy: Ida Falk Winland (soprano)

What the Press said:
‘Robin Ticciati’s conducting of the London Philharmonic was nothing less than stupendous, equally attuned to the score’s folkish innocence and its Wagnerian grandeur.’ - The Telegraph, July 2010

‘Hänsel is mezzo Alice Coote, whose exhaustingly boyish stage business and distinctive vocal timbre (she sounds something like a hollowed- out Janet Baker) is well-suited to a role..’ - The Stage, July 2010

‘Robin Ticciati’s thrilling account for this, confirms the score’s seriousness and sophistication... the evening’s great triumph comes from the orchestra pit..’ - Financial Times, July 2010